Blessington’s Men’s Shed doesn’t lack anything when it comes to enthusiasm. It bases much of its activity on practical work, such as woodworking and metalwork, however it is the range of activities beyond the practical side of things that makes Blessington a forward-thinking version of this initiative.

Computer classes allow men to improve skills. Trips to various parts of the country, such as Belfast and Cork, give the men the opportunity to travel with good company. The social/dance night in a local pub in Blessington also gives these men a chance to stay active as well as socialising.

However, the benefits stretch far beyond the physical. Like other sheds, it is not about the wood you can carve or how fit the dancing on a Friday night makes you, the impact it has on your mental health is huge.

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“I find the men’s shed is great to come down to and even just spend an hour or two,” says Tommy Clarke, a local farmer.

45 men are active in the Blessington shed, three of whom make up the agricultural contingent. If any story demonstrates the importance of men’s shed’s, it is Tommy Clarke’s. Forced to give up farming for health reasons, he describes how the shed benefits his life.

“I had to give up farming due to arthritis in my wrists and hands. I had to give up milking cows because it was getting worse all the time. If I wasn’t in the shed, I would probably be messing around doing very little on the farm. I would only really be in the way and maybe cause an accident or something.”

Of course, while these activities are vital to Blessington, the unique selling point of this shed lies with the people in it. The stories and background of the men that make up the shed is what makes it a one-of-a-kind shed.

The Blessington Men’s Shed opens Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm and Wednesday 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm. It’s located at The Old Library, Baltinglass Road, Blessington, Co Wicklow, W91NV09. For more info, call 045-891 630 or email blessington@menssheds.ie