Macroom Lions Club, located in Co Cork, originated the idea of creating a Men’s Shed within the local community. They aspired towards developing a social environment where men could unite.

Macroom Men’s Shed has now been running for three years, and the organisation has never looked back.

Sean O’Leary has been a member since the shed was first established, he has witnessed first-hand how Macroom Men’s Shed has grown since its humble beginnings. “We have a small shed, which we have on a voluntarily basis from the local St Vincent De Paul Society,” explains Sean. “We would have 15 to 20 members. The majority of our members would be retired, and we are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2pm to 4pm at the moment.”

Mental health is a vital aspect for every men’s shed across the country, and for the members of Macroom Men’s Shed, they have found their safe haven. “The mental [health] side of it is very important, because the men’s shed is a place for people to go. We talk to each other and we joke a lot. We drink tea and we drink coffee together, there is that social side.”

The men of Macroom Men’s Shed thoroughly enjoy getting together and having the craic, and this is when ideas and plans for the shed materialise. “We do a lot of carpentry work on recycled timber. We try and do things without buying timber. We make a lot of bird boxes and Christmas cribs,” says Sean.

Macroom Men’s Shed claimed a stand at the West Cork Citizen’s Information event for over 60s in Macroom. The men were also invited by Cork County Council to have a stand at their Reuse Republic event, showcasing recycling and upcycling activities, highlighting how recognised the Macroom’s Men Shed has become within the community.

The door of Macroom Men’s Shed is always open to new members. If you would like to join or seek more information, call Sean O’Leary on 087 770 3899.