There are many things the members of Mountmellick Men’s Shed enjoy about being part of this group – woodworking, helping out in the community and the various activities – but one sticks out above the rest. By far their favourite element of the shed is the choir they started, explains shed secretary Joseph Kelly.

The choir practices once a week, has previously held a number of concerts and members are definitely not afraid to have their voices heard: “We tried to take a break during the summer, a sort of holiday, but people kept turning up,” laughs Joe.

The shed was founded three years ago and recently moved to a site at the back of the cinema in Mountmellick. The group was based in a house on the grounds of the local Church of Ireland before moving to their new site.

Their main reason for moving was because they wanted to make sure the shed was wheelchair accessible, says Joseph, and Mountmellick Men’s Shed is now housed across two prefabs. They joined both of the prefabs and renovated them, doing all of the work themselves.

Like in most sheds, their main activity is woodworking. With over 25 active members, the shed always helps out when needed in the community and has an especially good relationship with the local Tidy Towns committee. Mountmellick Men’s shed also won a Laois Community and Voluntary award, of which they are very proud.

Members find that the shed is a great social outlet, a very good way to get to know people in a relaxed environment and, in general, a great way to spend any spare time you may have, says the shed secretary: “It gives the men a place to go. Some men are very quiet, and this is a good way to get to know people.”

Mountmellick Men’s Shed is located at the back of the cinema in Mountmellick, Co Laois, and opens every Monday and Thursday from 8pm onwards. New members are always welcome and further information can be obtained by calling 086-076 0853.