Cahir Men’s Shed in Co Tipperary is a haven of music and fireside chats, especially in winter time. The shed was established four years ago with the help of current chair Michael Ryan.

“We thought there was a need for it in Cahir. There was a lot of unemployment at the time among men, through no fault of their own. It was just the time,” says Michael.

Since then the shed has been thriving with its members engaging in numerous activities including music, basket weaving, cooking, woodworking and painting. The cooking was especially useful for those living alone who may not be the most experienced in the kitchen. The group is a well-oiled machine as some members enjoy woodworking, another few painting and more love playing music.

“There are different lads for different things,” says Michael. Music and chatting by the fire are the main shed activities. Five of the members learned how to play guitar and have since formed a band. They play in local nursing homes and schools. The men help out with the Tidy Towns and repair shovels and other items for people.

“If people need stuff, we help out,” says Michael. They recently made fairy doors for the area and they are currently building display cabinets for a book collection.

They also work with mental health organisations giving talks and there are posters and boards with helplines displayed. Involving members in activities helps a lot with the loneliness and isolation that can cause a lot of problems for people, according to Michael. He adds that there’s no rush on anything in Cahir Men’s Shed as the men enjoy taking their time working on projects.

“If someone is in a hurry, they’re in the wrong place,” he says. The shed is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7pm-9pm for music, Tuesday from 10am-1pm and Thursday from 2pm-4pm. However, Michael adds that these are only the official hours.

“If the door is open, anyone passing by can stop in and have the chats.”

Anybody interested in joining Cahir Men’s Shed should contact Michael Ryan on 086-1076872.