Louisburgh Area Men’s Shed in Co Mayo was established in 2018 and it now has many members hailing from farming backgrounds. The shed’s secretary David says that the most popular activity at the shed is restoring old farm machinery and carts. In the past, the shed has worked closely with the local Tidy Towns and completed the restoration of a donkey cart which is now on display at the entrance to the town. The shed has also visited other men’s sheds such as those in Ballina and Westport.

Now the group are hoping to restore an old Massey Ferguson tractor and in the future an old horse cart. The men also help the local Tidy Towns by painting and cleaning up old buildings around Louisburgh. They have also carried out some maintenance work on the Granuaile Heritage Centre.

David adds that the men decide what different projects and activities they would like to take on, so there is something for everyone. He stresses the social aspect of the shed is combating rural isolation, saying that it “really is about the tea and the chat” and that men “don’t have to lift a hammer” to be a part of the group.

The group are currently fundraising to build their own premises, having received planning permission. They are currently splitting their time between their workshop and a meeting room.

The men’s shed has already held a mock wedding comedy event to raise funds for the build, and two members of shed will be the chefs in the kitchen of Tia Restaurant on 9 November for the Fundraising Mystery Chefs night.

Other future plans for the shed include constructing buddy benches for the local national school, where they were previously involved in a charity lip sync event. The members of the shed also hope to join up with Westport Men’s Shed and partake in a men’s health programme.

Anyone interested in joining Louisburgh Men’s Shed are asked to contact secretary David Gray on 087 2329 032 or call down to the shed during its opening hours. The group meet from 8pm-10pm in the pastoral centre, Long Street, Louisburgh.

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