Although it has only been running since last summer, Portmarnock and District Men’s Shed has gone from strength-to-strength and is most definitely the embodiment of community spirit. In a little over eight months, the shed has not only grown to having nearly 25 members, but also drawn help from every facet of the community.

Firstly, the premises was given in the form of a portacabin at the rear of the local White Sands Hotel, explains shed chair Gerry McHugh. After that a whole string of things were donated free gratis, including broadband, a PC, paint and weekly groceries, as well as local tradespeople helping out with the refurbishment works.

“We got massive support from around the community,” outlines Gerry. “One builder came and laid a new floor, someone else supplied us with paint. The Portmarnock Lions Club then purchased the vinyl that was put down on the floor.”

The shed has a very impressive workshop and it is ideal for facilitating the various projects the members participate in. Currently, Portmarnock and District Men’s Shed is making eight benches for the front of the hotel, along with refurbishing garden furniture for a nearby residential centre.

“We are taking the furniture down to the shed gradually. We strip the paint off it, refurbish it, repaint it and bring it back up to the centre. Among the shed members we have an ex-painter, an ex-carpenter, fitters and guys who are just all-rounders,” says Gerry. Members range in age from 55 to 85, and Gerry highlights that the shed is a massively important social outlet for men like himself who are settling into retirement.

Portmarnock and District Men’s Shed is located at the rear of the White Sands Hotel, Portmarnock and is open from Monday to Friday with flexible hours, usually around 9am to 2pm. New members are always welcome and further information can be obtained by calling 086-238 4663.