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Leighlin Parish Men’s Shed is nestled in the centre of the community situated between the church, playground and crèche in Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow.
The shed was set up around eight years ago when it was noticed that there was a shortage of mens groups in the area.
The local parish priest, Fr Lawlor, asked if there was interest and it was started up with four members on parish property.
The members range in age from 40 to 60-years old and are employed locally or unemployed.
Peter McCarthy, shed secretary, reports that “interest is growing and more have been in contact about coming”.
The main enterprise for the shed is timber products. They have orders to keep them busy right up until Christmas.
Picnic benches, insect hotels and planter boxes are their most popular items but Peter says: “If you show us a picture of what you want, we’ll give it a go.”
Another popular timber product is the buddy benches for primary schools in Carlow and Kilkenny. This is a mental health initiative for schools. “The idea is someone sits there and it indicates that they are alone and encourages someone to go talk to them,” Peter explains.
The shed often visits other sheds in the Carlow/Kilkenny area and recently sheds gathered for member health checks. Members do work around the parish and often help locals in need. They have a few social nights a year where they enjoy dinner and play a few games of pool.
Members are currently working on another room for the shed which when finished will become a tearoom. They often go to the shed for a chat and a cup of tea.
They get to know each other well and know when something might be off with a member. Future plans include a potential internet connection in the shed and computer skills courses.
The shed has no set days or hours but typically open in the evenings.
They keep in touch by phone and welcome new members joining. For more information contact Peter McCarthy at 087-923 7562.
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