Transformation is something of a buzzword in contemporary Irish society. The concept of a radical, fundamental change in one’s nature is a tantalising one.

The changes wrought by men’s sheds in their members’ lives and the lives of their communities are often drastic. Sometimes, however, the low-key changes which emerge from the quiet, natural and fluid interactions of the men’s shed can fail to register.

Like a great work of art, the full impact of what has been achieved can only be appreciated with a judicious step back. This week, we’re delighted to turn this page over to Niamh Moore, a friend of Tinahely Men’s Shed in Co Wicklow, for this remarkable account of how the men of the shed harnessed their own skills – and the goodwill of a community – to craft themselves a new home.

Largely unnoticed to the passer-by, a quiet transformation has been taking place on a derelict site on Kelly’s Hill in Tinahely. Over the course of just 12 months, a small army of men have used all their combined skills to convert a derelict premises into a welcoming, functional and comfortable space for the Tinahely Men’s Shed.

The scale of the transformation is only obvious when you see the ‘before’ photographs of the site. The buildings were an eyesore, overgrown and filled with rubbish that had built up over many years. However, one man saw an opportunity.

“From the moment I saw the site, I knew it had so much potential. We have a great bunch of men who have so much more to offer than simply meeting on a weekly basis for social reasons. This project gives us purpose and enabled us to put all our skills to good use,” said Tony Lundberg, chair of Tinahely Men’s Shed.

“The shed is so much more valuable for everyone when we are focused on a project and have challenging tasks to complete,” he added.

The men’s shed gathered together, organised a committee, consulted their bank account, which had just over €100, and decided that yes, they had the resources to take on this massive project.

Of course, they did have the resources. Each man has many practical trade skills learned over their working years – plumbers, gardeners, electricians, engineers, architects and general handymen. They also had unbelievable support from the community and from Wicklow County Council.

Local residents donated furniture, including a pool table, kitchen appliances, shelves, tables, chairs, armchairs and even a computer.

The overgrowth around the buildings was painstakingly cleared to reveal a lovely space for the men’s garden. Beds were built and planted. Old tyres painted and used as planters for a beautiful variety of plants and vegetables, which are harvested and enjoyed by the men. The project has been an inspiration to the community and a real lesson for the throw away culture of today.

“The sense of achievement from this project has been immense for me personally and for all of the men’s shed,” said Tony.

“For the men, it’s wonderful for them to put their skills to good use and we have great fun while we work. But this is just the start and we have so many more plans, but we do need lots more members with similar skills to complete the projects we have in mind. We welcome men of all ages and we invite anyone who might be interested in getting involved to take a look around.” CL