Officially launched back 2012, Drogheda Men’s Shed was bound in one direction: up. Today the shed is 80 members strong with an average of 35 members turning out every day when it opens.

“Age Friendly were looking around to see what was available for retired and semi-retired people in the area. They did a survey and found that there wasn’t much for men,” says Liam Reynolds, shed secretary. “They had heard about the concept before and felt that it would be ideal for the Louth community.”

Having received funding for the first two years from the International Fund for Ireland, Drogheda went out on their own. The shed has gone from strength to strength, selling their wooden creations at the local market. “It is a twofold thing: we are putting ourselves into the public eye to let them know who we are and what we are, as well as showing what goes on in the shed.”

Two non-members of the shed passed on their knowledge of wood to the members in the shed. “Goeffry was an unemployed carpenter a few years ago and Glenn is retired from woodwork. They have instructed us and given us the skills we need. We make and sell benches, tables, flower planters, beautiful pens and cases and many more pieces.”

Community spirit is always in the minds of the Drogheda Men’s Shed, where they undertake regular projects to help improve the area.

“We have made three buddy benches and we are making one more. We have done the shelving for the warehouse of our local St Vincent De Paul. We also do projects that the members would like to undertake,” says Liam. “We have done repairs in the home and built kitchen presses for people.”

The men’s shed recently began a series of exciting new projects including building a 17ft boat as well as planting an allotment that has a series of raised beds and room for a polytunnel.

Drogheda Men’s Shed’s arms are always open for new members. The shed is located in Donore Rd. Industrial Estate, Dunore Rd. Drogheda and is open Monday to Friday from 9pm to 2.30pm. Contact Liam Reynolds on 087 396 4282 for more information.