The Monaghan Men’s Shed reflects everything that is great about Men’s Sheds. Located along the border, they started out as a project run by the local Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB). The idea was to bring people from both sides of the border, Monaghan and Armagh, closer together.

Peter Cavanagh, secretary of the Shed since its foundation, explains: “It was wasn’t initially a Men’s Shed but once the project came to an end we affiliated with the Men’s Shed Association because it was so successful and we wouldn’t like to lose it from the community. I started as a tutor from the CMETB but I loved what I saw here so I decided to stay on in a voluntary capacity.”

There is a huge diversity in the activities of the Monaghan Men’s Shed. “We do a lot of woodwork in our shed, whether that be wood crafting or maybe wood turning – a lot of the guys get involved with that. Just recently we finished producing a piece for the local CBS in Monaghan. They’re celebrating 150 years so we made a model of the building that’s going to be displayed at a celebratory event – it’s a very impressive piece.”

The shed also has a polytunnel on site where plants can be grown before being transferred to a mini allotment set-up where each member has their own plot.

It’s not only a practical shed but also one focused on teaching its members new skills. “We have a computer suite,” Peter explains. He is heavily involved in teaching basic computer skills to members that they may not get access to otherwise.

“Outside of all the activities we do it’s the social aspect hat’s the most important,” Peter stresses. “It’s a great place for members to come and have a chat. We’re all different ages, ranging from 30 to 80 and from different backgrounds, but the shed brings us all together and is a great outlet.”

The shed is open from 9.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday at Old Rooskey, Monaghan. For anyone looking for further information or interested in joining, contact Peter on 086-1788 626.