Throughout the ages poetry has flourished in the most unlikely of settings. From the parlours of the aristocratic elites to the trenches of Flanders, men and women have sought to capture their innermost emotions in the gilded cage of verse.

Regular readers of this page will not be surprised to learn that a poetic heart beats firmly beneath the sawdust and scones of the men’s shed . Indeed, any member asked to describe the meaning of his own shed within his life swiftly lapses into something approaching poetry.

In recognition of the latent poetic possibilities lurking within Irish sheds, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association has teamed up with Poetry Ireland for a new competition. The Men’s Sheds Poetry Contest 2018 will offer shed members throughout the country the chance to wax lyrical on every topic under the sun.

The contest will be judged by Dermot Bolger – poet, novelist and playwright. The announcement of the winners will coincide with National Poetry Day on Thursday, 26 April.

Maureen Kennelly, director of Poetry Ireland, is pleased to support this unique venture.

“At Poetry Ireland, our number one mission is to connect people with poetry, across Ireland,” she says. “We are aware of the invaluable, positive impact that the men’s sheds movement has had on communities, connecting people through common interests, shared goals and new friendships. We are delighted to be working with the Irish Men’s Sheds Association for this Poetry Competition and we look forward to enjoying and sharing the winning poems on Poetry Day Ireland.”

In a country steeped in literary tradition, the competition is bound to throw up some fascinating and novel takes on the noble art of verse. Entry is open to all men’s sheds members throughout Ireland.

Further details are available on www.menssheds.ie. Poems must have a title, must be 30 lines or fewer in length (not including title) and should be sent to turlough@menssheds.ie or, via post, to Poetry Contest, Irish Men’s Sheds Association, Social Innovation Hub, first Floor, Ballymun Civic Centre, Dublin 9. Best of luck to all entrants. Since we have no wish to stifle anyone’s creativity, entries are welcomed on any subject, however, entrants are invited to consider and explore the topic of what it means to be a man in contemporary Ireland. CL

Shed notes

Doon & District Men’s Shed, Co Limerick

With our Shed Support Volunteer Programme now fully operational, reports are beginning to flood in from towns and villages throughout Ireland. These reports are a constant reminder of just how much men’s sheds mean to their members and communities.

One typical report landed at head office recently from our Co Limerick volunteer Sean Dalton. To quote Sean in his own evocative words:

“The Beast from the East had already landed in east Limerick when I visited one of the newest sheds in Ireland on Tuesday night.

“A few members from the slopes of Annacarty thought about skiing to the shed, but were unable to make it. Tea and currant cake with Doon honey was the order of the night.

“This volunteer was made most welcome in Doon Shed, which is situated in the historic convent grounds. The members are most grateful to the Sisters who kindly offered them their convent grounds to start up a men’s shed. Complete with building land and greenhouses, this shed will be one to watch in the future. Thanks to Pat Ryan and Tom Hayes for their invitation, and secretary Denis Duggan for his guided tour.”