Mullinahone Men’s Shed, Co Tipperary

They say you should never let the facts get in the way of a good story, and only the most miserable pedant would quibble with a story this good.

It recently came to our attention that three members of Mullinahone Men’s Shed in Tipperary had celebrated their mutual 85th birthday with a special joint party at the shed.

Christy Sheehan, a founder member of the shed, chuckles mischievously when asked about the remarkable triple-event. “Well, let’s just say that the lads are all in their 85th year. One recently had a birthday and the others aren’t too far off,” he says.

Refusing to be bound by the shackles of the calendar, the shed decided to honour its three most senior members with a joint cake and party.

“Bob Cantwell has been at the shed from the beginning,” says Christy. “He goes to mass every day and drops in on the way back. Tony Nolan is a retired plasterer, who I would have worked with on the building sites back in the day. Sean O’Gorman worked in Australia for 20 years, but like the others, he was born at the foot of Slievenamon and has lived here most of his life.”

Christy says the “three wise men” are well-liked within the shed. “They’re not running around with saws and hammers, and we wouldn’t expect them to. But we’ve learned so much from them. They can talk about things that happened 50 years ago like they happened yesterday.”

The exchange works in both direction: “If Mullinahone Men’s Shed did nothing else – if we never had another member – I know we helped those guys. I see it in their faces when they’re in the shed,” says Christy, with evident pride. The Irish Men’s Sheds Association would like to add its voice to the birthday chorus.

Carlow Men’s Shed, Co Carlow

Just as we exult in the joys of our sheds, we also have to share in their sorrows. Shortly after Christmas, Carlow Men’s Shed lost one of its most valued members.

Martin Shaw was 86 years old and had been with the shed for a number of years. An expert wood-turner, Martin had worked as a lathe operator in the sugar factory, and his feats of craftsmanship astounded all those who witnessed them.

“Martin was an extraordinary wood-turner,” says Michael Nicholson of Carlow Men’s Shed. “He was never idle. He always had a project on the go.”

Michael and his shed-mates were very moved to see the importance the shed held for Martin reflected by members of his family. “Martin’s son spoke about the value of the shed in his life at the removal. That meant a lot to us. But, let me tell you, his value to us was far greater. To see him at work was just an education.”

Martin’s machine lies quiet in the shed now. Members are hoping to have a plaque installed above it – a reminder that no one who makes an impact on others is ever truly gone.

Armagh/Athy Men’s Sheds

Members of Armagh Men’s Shed will be streaming across the border in February to raise money for Aware, in honour of an old friend of the shed.

Originally from Athy, Ray Dunne taught storytelling classes in Armagh before his tragic and untimely death two years ago.

In his honour, Armagh Men’s Shed, Athy Men’s Shed and Ray’s brothers Niall and Mick are running an all-day buskathon in Athy on 9 February. CL

Contact Athy Men’s Shed or Armagh Men’s Shed on Facebook for further details.