Five-hundred men, 32 counties, four sporting legends, the Queen’s favourite fishmonger, and a Lord Mayor. Pairc Ui Chaoimh has never witnessed anything quite like the Men’s Sheds Gathering 2018, which brought all the aforementioned to Cork for two memorable days of fun and camaraderie.

Ably compered by previous Irish Country Living editor Mairead Lavery, the event reflected the enormous strides made by Irish sheds in the space of just a few short years. Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, opened proceedings via a short prerecorded video, lavishing praise on the movement and its impact on communities.

The Minister, whose Department recently established a €500,000 Men’s Shed fund, expressed his ongoing support for the movement and took time to welcome representatives from Australia, Iceland, Denmark and the United Kingdom.

Irish Men’s Sheds Association CEO Barry Sheridan and chair Killian O’Flynn thanked all those who made the event possible. Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Mick Finn, was the first of many luminaries to address the eager throng in person.

The Lord Mayor credited Men’s Sheds with “saving men’s lives”, and further complimented the movement on its strengthening effect upon communities.

Fergal Fox of the HSE, which provides the Irish Men’s Sheds Association with core funding, reaffirmed the organisation’s support for the health benefit of men’s sheds and encouraged attendees to visit the malehealth.ie expo, where dozens of national men’s health organisations stood ready to provide advice, checks and freebies. Fergal’s words had the desired effect and the Expo was duly mobbed from morning to evening.

Next to the podium was Irish track legend David Gillick, who broke the ice by staging an impromptu mass shoulder massage (possibly the first on record at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, at least outside the treatment room). David spoke frankly and candidly about his struggle to find purpose and meaning in life after his retirement from athletics.

Such was David’s candour and his clear enthusiasm for the Men’s Sheds movement, that the 500-strong audience rose in a spontaneous standing ovation at the conclusion of his address.

Donncha O'Callaghan with birdbox challenge competitor Pat O'Connell.

Shed stories

The bulk of the day’s events was themed around Shed Stories; in-depth interviews with members of sheds which have undertaken particularly inspirational projects. TP O’Gorman of Kilbeggan Men’s Shed shared his shed’s experience of participating in a diabetes prevention programme, while Eamon O’Connor of Rostrevor Men’s Shed offered insight into forging lasting links with the local community.

Eamon’s practical demonstration of the shed’s Tommy Project – a memorial to local victims of the First World War – drew audible gasps of appreciation from the audience.

Finbarr Kennelly of Haven Pharmacy offered his reflections on last year’s Men’s Shed rhododendron cull in Killarney National Park, as well as announcing a repeat performance for November 2018. Meanwhile, Dundalk Men’s Shed and Ballina Men’s Shed also shared their remarkable stories of community engagement.

The day’s undoubted highlight – at least judging from the decibel level – was Donncha O’Callaghan’s star turn in the afternoon. The former Ireland rugby legend has been a staunch supporter of Men’s Sheds, and appeared in his capacity as an ambassador for Topline DIY.

Under vigorous cross-examination from Mairead Lavery, Donncha’s warmth and self-effacing humour charmed the room. The former Munster star took up presenting duties for the Birdbox Challenge, overseeing a three-way speed-building contest between Cork GAA titan Larry Tompkins, IMSA chair Killian O’Flynn and English Market stalwart Pat O’Connell.

The ever-competitive Tompkins triumphed with consummate ease, while Donncha ribbed another competitor (best left unnamed) about his bird-unfriendly sunroof. Philanthropist Alan Kerins moved many to tears, before the men of Mayfield Men’s Shed Choir rounded out proceedings with a repertoire of singalong classics. The consensus of those attending was that 2020’s event cannot come around quickly enough.