Newport Men’s Shed was founded in 2012 when Michael O’Donnell, shed secretary, was at a family wedding and the topic of Men’s Shed came up. A short while after that, Men’s Sheds featured on Nationwide and they decided to act. Michael and Padraig Finnerty have been involved since day one. The local parochial hall was unused so Michael asked the priest could the shed use it and the priest was behind it 100%.

Currently, the hall is being renovated and so the shed is looking for a more permanent location.

This is probably one of the most satisfying jobs

They bought a shipping container using grant funding and they are operating out that for now. They have 12 members, but on days when help is needed many more turn up.

The shed are very involved with the community, one of the first projects they took on was to install a mural for Tidy Towns. The shed was then asked to help put up the Christmas lights.

“This is probably one of the most satisfying jobs,” says Michael. Since then, they have been fixing and putting up the lights. “All the lads pull together and help out.”

Every shed is different. There’s no set formula for Men’s Sheds

Members have also offered to teach people how to wire a plug and have given help in the preparation of job interviews. The shed is not like many others in the sense that the members don’t make flower boxes or benches, but Michael says: “Every shed is different. There’s no set formula for Men’s Sheds.”

It’s unbelievable how generous people are

Other projects over the years have included ‘Changing Tracks’ which was a project by the EU public art commission and the creation and erection of a stainless steel cross by a shed member.

There have been many tools donated to the shed and the HSE set up credit in local hardware stores. “It’s unbelievable how generous people are.” Meetings are seasonal with a broad age group the majority of members are farmers or in construction.

The shed is constantly open to new members and new ideas. To find out more contact Michael O’Donnell at 086-784 0727.