Describing it as a “youth club for auld lads”, enthusiastic chair Ray Harte has been at the centre of Portlaoise Men’s Shed since its establishment in 2013. In the midst of recession and with high unemployment in the area, something was needed in Portlaoise to raise spirits, and Ray says that “the idea of a Men’s Shed came to me at the right time – it ticked all the boxes”.

Having looked further into the idea, Ray got together with a few of his peers and with the help of Laois Partnership, the shed was born. In June 2013 the group managed to acquire a permanent premises, an old equestrian building kindly donated by Kilkenny Welding Supplies. “The premises itself is perfect. We have a social area, a workshop and we have set up a community garden along the river,” Ray adds.

The group take on projects with charities, local authorities and environmental groups that are working in the local area. “We’ve worked with Dunmaise Beekeepers, Tidy Towns, Birdwatch Ireland and the Irish Wildlife Trust to name a few. We’ve undertaken a ‘Building for Biodiversity’ project with Laois County Council where, for example, we designed and built bird boxes for the endangered barn owl.”

We take in men from all backgrounds and ages. There are retirees, people in rehabilitation, men involved in the local training network and people who are working

The men are currently working on the development of a new blue way path along the Triogue River and their work hasn’t gone unnoticed in the community.

The shed has about 40 patrons with Ray mentioning that numbers vary from week to week. “Since we started up I’d say the guts of 150 people have worked in the shed. We take in men from all backgrounds and ages. There are retirees, people in rehabilitation, men involved in the local training network and people who are working.”

Pride in community seems to be a key component of the success of Portlaoise Men’s Shed. Ray describes the collaborative aspect of their work as a “win-win” situation as not only are they involved in projects which improve their neighbourhood but all funding received for their efforts allows them to invest in their workshop.

If you would like more information or would like to join Portlaoise Men’s Shed, contact Ray on 086 2624092 or Dominic on 087 291 6469.