This week we hear from David Callinan and Coosan Men’s Shed located in the heart of Athlone town. The group emphasises its inclusiveness with all new members from any background welcome to join.

The shed was founded two years ago by David Callinan and Joe Flaherty as they felt local men needed somewhere to meet up and socialise with one another. They got the idea for the group by learning from the success of other Men’s Shed’s online and saw the potential to improve mental health in their community.

David told the Irish Country Living: “The members are under no pressure to attend or carry out activities. Everything we do is on a voluntary basis with members free to come and go, partaking as they wish.”

The group is involved in carpentry projects primarily but has ambitious plans for the future. Currently they own a portacabin where they carry out their meetings but they have ordered two more along with a polytunnel. They hope to establish a community garden in the near future where members will be able to plant their own fruit and veg, caring for them as they grow.

David said: “The shed has proven very popular in the local community and we have 30 members after just two years.” The group is mainly composed of tradesmen with younger members of the community attending the shed to learn the tricks of the trade from the talented plumbers and carpenters of Coosan Men’s Shed.

“The shed has had a huge impact on the men, in one instance I offered a key to one of the shed members and he was taken aback that I would have this level of trust in him,” explains David. “Everyone at the shed feels a sense of belonging and the biggest benefit we’ve seen is men being able to meet up and have a quick chat over a cup of tea.”

The shed is always welcoming new members. Anyone interested in joining is asked to contact David Callinan on 087 952 6360 or email coosanmensshed@gmail.com for more information. The shed is located on Abbey Road, Athlone and is open every day to members.