Cork Men’s Sheds showcase

Glen Rovers GAA Club played host to a gargantuan showcase of Cork men’s sheds on 14 November. Over 150 men from dozens of sheds throughout Cork city and county journeyed to the fine facility, to swap stories and show off their remarkable craftsmanship.

The event garnered widespread support throughout Cork, demonstrating once again the esteem in which sheds are held throughout the city and county. Cork city enjoys one of the highest concentrations of men’s sheds of any urban centre in the world, and sheds’ prestigious place in Cork life was amply demonstrated at the event.

Councillor Dr John Sheehan, Lord Mayor of Cork city, was on-hand to perform the ceremonial duties and offer a warm welcome to all those in attendance.

The Lord Mayor spoke warmly and eloquently on the subject of men’s sheds and the difference they have made to communities throughout the country.

In addition to the Lord Mayor, attendees also included a number of major health bodies.

The National Screening Service, the Marie Keating Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland and the Migraine Society of Ireland were all present, offering expert advice to the members present.

Members’ cultural needs were also met, with the choirs of Mayfield Men’s Shed, Carrigaline Men’s Shed and Passage West Men’s Shed flexing their rich voices, while the troubadours of Shandon Men’s Shed performed music throughout.

This was the third-last showcase event scheduled for 2019, after an epic year of entertainment, inspiration and cultural uplift which has taken in over 25 locations to date. Events in Waterford and Mayo are still to come before the showcase bandwagon rolls to an exhausted halt. CL

Rostrevor Men’s Shed, Co Down

Speaking of music, how do you get a tune out of a ukulele? Well, before you even jangle a single string, someone has to put the esteemed instrument together.

Members of Rostrevor Men's Shed get to grips with the ukelele.

Rostrevor Men’s Shed members – always up for a new challenge – have been doing just that in recent weeks, instituting what they’ve described as a ukulele production line at their home in the beautiful Co Down village.

Working from flat-pack kits, the first stage is to French polish the instrument with a shellac mix. Next, the bridge and neck are securely glued to the instrument, before the strings are added in the most delicate phase of the operation.

After that, it’s a matter of loading up George Formby videos on YouTube, getting out the sheet music and trusting the patience of your neighbours.

Newtown and Newcastle Men’s Sheds

The big-hearted members of Newtown & Newcastle Men’s Shed have been doing their bit for the frozen fingers, toes and noses of their community this winter, by distributing bags of firewood free of charge in the Co Wicklow village.

The firewood is split and bagged by shed members at their fine premises in Killadreenan, with the endeavour supported by a generous donation from a prominent member of the community. The van and trailer used to distribute the wood are provided by Paul Kavanagh and David Murray respectively, both ardent supporters of the shed in the community.

Picture of the week

This week’s picture shows Nicky Sheehan of Dungarvan Men’s Shed, Co Waterford, testing a mattress in the cold confines of Cork Gaol.

Nicky Sheehan does his stretch.

Members of the Co Waterford shed recently ventured south for a sobering and informative day trip to the historic place of confinement. (It is understood that Nicky was eventually released after shed-mates attested to his good character, and their pressing need for a hot cup of tea).