Search the length and breadth of Ireland and you’ll struggle to find a shed with a more poetic name than Turas Anam Men’s Shed of Kilcock, Co Kildare. A relatively new addition (membership no 394) to the ever-growing roster of Irish sheds, Turas Anam’s title translates as “soul’s journey”. The name, chosen by the shedders themselves, aptly reflects the shed’s unique perspective and membership.

The sheer diversity of the men’s sheds landscape is a frequent theme of this page. But while there is no right, wrong, or even typical way to run a shed, the circumstances that ushered Turas Anam into the world are undeniably special.

Turas Anam is located in Mountpleasant Lodge Nursing Home in Kilcock. Francis MacAonghus of FirstCare, who run the nursing home, says the shed has “ploughed ahead” since getting off the ground in April.

“The primary focus of Turas Anam is to provide an opportunity for male residents to come together, share their life stories, use their previous life skills and learn new skills throughout the journey of later life.”

Despite its unique setting, Turas Anam’s activities would be instantly familiar to any of Ireland’s 10,000 shedders. Woodworking, gardening, painting, pottery and baking are all eagerly pursued within the shed, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing and camaraderie.

“Research has shown that men in Ireland are less likely to engage and socialise as they get older – it’s no secret that men are socially very different to women,” says Francis. “Good mental and physical health is based on many factors, including feeling good about yourself, being productive, contributing to your community, connecting with friends and maintaining an active body and mind.”

Although all the Turas Anam shedders are, by definition, men of retirement age, Francis is eager to point out the diversity within the group.

“Members come from all walks of life – the bond that unites them is that they are men who have only known work and labour all their life and, now retired, wish to continue to do something meaningful and valuable with the time they have on their hands.”

Francis pays tribute to home manager Mary O’Keeffe and social care leaders Jackie Kelly and Tony O’Connor for cultivating the project under these unique circumstances. Turas Anam Men’s Shed shares exactly the same ethos as every other shed in Ireland. “Being a member of a Men’s Shed provides a safe and meaningful environment,” says Francis. “More importantly, there is no pressure to engage or participate. The shedders can just come and have a chat and a cup of good old-fashioned tea.”

“In Mountpleasant Lodge, the residents and staff are building their own community within the home and have a safe place to do so,” concludes Francis. We’re sure that shedders throughout the country will echo our best wishes to the men of Turas Anam Men’s Shed as they set out on a journey undertaken by thousands of Irish men in recent years. CL

MEN’S SHEDS PARTNER WITH IRISH HEART

The Irish Men’s Sheds Association has announced a new partnership with Irish Heart, which will see the heart health charity’s Mobile Health Unit offer free blood-pressure checks to shedders throughout the country.

The new partnership builds on the existing ties between the two entities. The Mobile Health Unit is no stranger to shedders, having become a familiar sight at Men’s Sheds cluster meetings throughout the spring.

Irish Men’s Sheds Association CEO Barry Sheridan said: “Irish Heart’s advice and expertise helps give our shedders even more certainty and control over their heart health, so they can continue to participate fully in their sheds and their communities.”