Men's Shed group launch display of work in their local library for Bealtaine

AS part of Bealtaine month in Tipperary, the Borrisokane Men's Shed members launched their display of work over a two day span last week in the local Library in the town.
This was certainly a celebration of arts and crafts creativity within this group of men who brought their creations to the public with pride and delight and a huge lot of enjoyment too.

There was a big display of carvings, from big birds to small birds, male and female figures, to flower boxes for window sills, and some items were carved from bog oak. What really stood out was the quality of the workmanship on display. It was obvious that hours upon hours were taken to do the carvings to such a high standard and the finished product looked perfect. The group have free standing flower planters and window boxes for sale at the Community Centre.

Still very much in their infancy, having formed back in February 2022, there are twelve men who are active members and their Secretary is Gerry Duggan. It’s obvious listening to Gerry that he takes a huge interest in what he is doing. “This display was done over three courses and everyone brought their own skills to the group,” he said. “The Men's Shed brings together a group of people who do a lot of work.”

It’s not entirely all work though, as Gerry admits, as there’s a lot of chatting that takes place too over endless cups of tea and coffee. “It’s a social outlet for a lot of people and while you could argue that you could go to the pub any night for an outlet, but that would cost, whereas this is free. You come in and make something and there’s no expense involved plus you are getting to meet other people,” said Gerry.

Men’s Sheds cater for all age groups and a man who wants to join doesn’t have to be of any particular age. The Borrisokane group have people from early 40’s up and they meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 3pm. in the Community Centre. Gerry thanked Fr Tom O’Halloran, PP, for the use of the premises where the men work out of. “It’s a fantastic facility for the town and it’s in use every night and for anyone who wants to use the building it’s available to them,” he said.
The group undertook carving courses which are sponsored by the ETB. Thursday was the chosen day and the group are continuing to do the courses. These courses are open to the community, which, said Gerry, “everyone can benefit from, and women can also avail of the courses. Some of the carvings that are on display here for the next few days, have been done by women. In fact we were hoping that some of the women would come together and form a Women’s Shed,” said Gerry.

Mike Ryan of the North Tipperary Development Company is the Tipperary Men’s Shed Co-ordinator. Mike explained that there was a lot of groups scattered around the county but they weren’t able to stay going for whatever reason. Presently there are six, Borrisokane, Nenagh, Roscrea, Silvermines, Thurles and Littleton and it is his job to support the Sheds and help anyone who is thinking of setting up a group.

“The men who participate really get a lot out of their participation in different projects,” he said. Running a Men's Shed is a bit more complicated than a standard community group he explained because there’s a lot to manage like “finding a premises, insurance, paper work and that’s where I come in,” he said.
NTDC recognised that Men’s Sheds are a great asset in a community and so they decided to do more for groups to help them keep the doors open. Some groups are fully independent and just need a little bit of grant support and direction, but others need extra support with finding a premises, organising courses and tutors, helping with paperwork and all of that, said Mike. He went on to explain that the most important thing in setting up a Men’s Shed is the committee, two or three men to steer the project and make it happen, that would be the skills required there and then look for a suitable premises.
With a lot of resources available to him for such groups, Mike says that there are a lot of grants available for funding such projects and he invites anyone thinking of starting a Men’s Shed in their locality, to contact him at mryan@ntdc.ie or call (087) 2226298. You can also follow the Men's Sheds on facebook by going to countytipperarymenssheds. Alternatively, if anyone would prefer to join the Borrisokane group they can do so by calling to the Community Centre in Borrisokane any Tuesday or Thursday from 3pm. and you will be very welcome.