Blarney Men’s Shed in Co Cork is a free space for local men to enjoy a cup of tea and reminisce on the past. Established in 2012 by chair Donal Hayes alongside the community council, Blarney Men’s Shed has grown from strength to strength with 40 dedicated members. Speaking on behalf of the shed, Donal Hayes explains how it all began.

“I saw something about Men’s Sheds on RTÉ and thought it would be a great idea for Blarney. I made a note in the parish newsletter about a meeting and it went from there. You see men out every morning walking their dogs and this gives them a reason to stop for a cup of tea and stay a while,” he reports.

Blarney Men's Shed hard at work the old-fashioned way.

After the kind donation of a workshop space by local business man Jim Gleeson, the Cork group have succeeded in many authentic projects. The restoration of old high nelly bikes led the group to partake in a 1916 re-enactment day two years ago. As well as this, the group have restored an old horse cart, which used to draw hay, and have put it back to work in a traditional way. The preservation of old Ireland is of great interest to the men, who also coordinated with Blue Hat drama group to re-enact a historical moment of the Blarney barracks being blown up in 1920.

Blarney Men's Shed on their high nellies.

Local Community garda Seanie O’Dwyer plays a vital role in the shed as the organiser of outings. “Going on trips together builds a great sense of camaraderie among the men when you go a trip together,” Donal reports. Donal adds that Blarney Men’s Shed’s mission statement is to make everyone feel at home.

“The main thing for me about Blarney Men’s Shed is making sure that nobody feels under pressure or obligated to do anything. There is a stigma attached to Men’s Sheds that you have to be completing projects and doing work, but that is not true. The only qualification you need around here is to be able to drink a mug of tea,” he laughs.

The shed opens twice weekly, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am – 1pm. New members are warmly welcomed by all and encouraged to get in touch by calling the group’s number on 086-2347934 for further information.