There is very much a social element to the Men’s Shed in Carrick-on-Shannon. President Seán Lynch says members enjoy the friendship the group shares, as much as they do the activities, and the shed is often remarked on as a great way to meet new people.

“You go in there for an hour in the morning and you don’t even have to do anything if you don’t want to. Go in, sit down, have a chat and a cup of tea. You might just take off then and go about your business for the day. That’s the way it works.

“You’re not obliged to do anything. I suppose all Men’s Sheds across the country are the same. There is great auld camaraderie. Along with that you get to know people too. There are so many people I have gotten to know since I went in there, I have met people I didn’t know existed at all around the town.”

Carrick-on-Shannon Men’s Shed was set up two years ago and since then it has grown to an impressive 30 members. Seán, who has been involved in the shed since its foundation, notes that carpentry is a big aspect to the shed but, as a collective, all the members try and utilise their different skills.

“I’ve been a fitter all my life, so if there was welding or anything like that, I’d do it. There is a lad who is an electrician, so if there was that kind of work to do, he’d do it. We try and use each other’s skills when we are doing projects.”

The shed is very involved in the community, taking on a lot of different projects. They have made bird boxes, bat boxes, flower boxes and many other items for the locality. Currently the members are refurbishing a number of old garden chairs.

Carrick-on-Shannon Men’s Shed is located at Attyfinaly, Dublin Road, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, and is open Monday and Friday, from 9am to 1pm. New members are always welcome and further information can be obtained by contacting 086-888 0117.