Irish Country Living caught up with Finbarr Murphy from Longford town Men’s Shed, which was established in 2016. The group have recently moved into their new premises at which they are busy renovating.

Today the shed boasts a strong membership of over 40 local men, doubling their numbers in just three short years.

The group originally gathered in their shed behind the post office for its first years but with this rapid increase, the group badly needed to move into their new premises at St Mary’s. This was kindly donated to them by St Mel’s College, also with help from grants provided by the local county council. .

A lot of work is needed on the new shed with many men turning their hand to carpentry. The premises is set to officially open on 2 September. They also hope to erect a polytunnel in the near future to add to their existing vegetable garden.

The group recently visited the Botanic Gardens in Dublin with plans to make similar trips in future as a break from the ongoing renovations. Other activities the men have taken part in include clay pigeon shooting which Finbarr believes “has brought a lot of the men to life”.

“Many of our members decided to join the shed as they were quite lonely and wanted to interact with other people in the community. The shed has been great for men to get to know each other after years of living in close proximity to one another. I’m the youngest member of the group with ages varying from 65 to mid-80s.”

The members are for the most part retired after working in multiple fields such as the health care services and the Gardaí.

Finbarr reassures that “everyone is welcome from all walks of life, no one will be refused entry”.

The shed is open every Tuesday and Friday morning. Anyone interested in joining is asked to contact Finbarr Murphy on 086 677 1456. The shed is located on St Mel’s Road, Deanscurragh, Longford.