Tipperary town Men’s Shed 10-year anniversary

When the men’s sheds movement first arrived in Ireland from Australia, Tipperary was its first port of call.

Although arguments have long (politely) raged over the issue, with competing and plausible claims from counties Wexford and Louth, it seems almost certain that Tipperary Town Men’s Shed of Knockanrawley was Ireland’s very first men’s shed.

On Tuesday November 19, Tipperary Town Men’s Shed held a celebration in honour of it 10th anniversary – the first shed in Ireland to reach that milestone.

The shed has been based at Knockanrawley Resource Centre in Tipperary town since its inception. A host of local luminaries descended upon the shed to mark the occasion, with Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) chair Eoin Martyn leading the delegation on behalf of the movement. Ruth Smith of Knockanrawley Resource Centre organised the celebratory event.

Eoin remarked upon the extraordinary resilience and deep-rootedness of the Tipperary town shed, and the speed with which it has become a local institution. A certificate of achievement was presented to the shed in recognition of its longevity and contribution to the local area.

Ten years have flashed by within the welcoming embrace of the local community, and all at the shed are looking forward to 10 more. Congratulations to each and every one of them, and to those in the community who have made the shed such a success.

Waterford Men’s Shed Showcase

Men’s sheds from throughout Co Waterford came together in the Butler Community Centre in Waterford for a joyous celebration of all things shed-like.

With local shed support volunteers providing support to Eva Beirne of the IMSA, well over 100 men attended the event, drawn from every shed in Co Waterford.

Waterford Sports Partnership and the Men’s Development Network were among the local organisations supporting the event, which was also attended by IMSA CEO Barry Sheridan.

Morning Star Men’s Shed, Dublin 7

The Morning Star Men’s Shed is unique in Ireland. The shed is attached to the Morning Star Hostel, which provides emergency accommodation for homeless men in Dublin, in operation on Brunswick Street since 1927.

In order to provide hostel residents with a safe, secure and productive space during daylight hours, the Morning Star operates a men’s shed on its Brunswick St site. The shed has proven hugely popular with residents, offering activities as diverse as social interaction classes, computer studies, painting and ceramics, and Irish-language courses.

On 6 December, the Morning Star Men’s Shed will host a Christmas art sale, with mosaics and watercolours created by the residents themselves up for grabs. Some of the residents’ artwork is truly extraordinary, and all proceeds will be ploughed back into the running of the shed – one of the most indispensable in Ireland.

The sale will run from 11.30am to 4.30pm. If you’re in Dublin on 6 December, there might be no better expression of Christmas spirit than to support homeless men by enriching your own life with their remarkable and heartfelt artwork. Call the IMSA on 01-891 6150 for further details.

Picture of the week

The elves of Kilrane-Rosslare Harbour Men's Shed hard at work. \ Brian Boyce

Resist the urge to roll your eyes or shake your head at the ever-accelerating approach of the Christmas season. This image from Kilrane/Rosslare Harbour Men’s Shed of Co Wexford will, we’re sure, melt the hearts of even the most Scrooge-like cynic.

The shed elves are busily preparing a host of Christmas treats in their workshop, in gratitude for the community’s support throughout 2019. Can we get an aww?