Athenry News & Views Winter 2025

Athenry News & Views

A men’s shed is a community-based organisation open to all men regardless of age or background. Men’s sheds are grassroots, member-focused spaces which offer men a pressure-free environment in which to share skills, make new friends and connect with their communities. Members of men’s sheds work on many different projects, from woodwork to vegetable-growing to singing in choirs. However, each member is free to participate in his own way and at his own pace - even if all he wants to do is have a chat and a cup of tea. All men are welcome! Athenry Men’s Shed

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE MEN”S SHED Everything and anything! The shed’s activities are entirely decided by the men themselves - there’s no obligation to take part in anything unless you want to. Typical activities include: Woodwork/carpentry Arts & crafts Social outings and excursions Model-making Talks and workshops Participating in community events (e.g. Tidy Towns, parades etc). Health & wellbeing events Walking groups Choral singing WHO RUNS A MEN’S SHED? Each men’s shed is run by its own members. The members elect a committee to manage the affairs of the shed. Via its IMSA Shed Support Volunteer, the shed is connected to all other sheds in its county and the national movement. have the opportunity to improve and maintain their wellbeing by taking part in a men’s shed”. Currently, we have over 400 sheds throughout Ireland, present in every county and benefiting over 10,000men each week. OUR VISION “A future where all men in Ireland

Athenry Men’s Shed members; Back row (left to right): Martin O’Grady, Sean O’Brien, Jim Sheridan, John Martyn, Andrew Maher, Mick Delaney Front row (left to right): Gilbert McCarthy, John Donnellan, Albert Kilkenny, Mick Maunsell, Jack Weldron and Paddy Lyons

Men’s Shed members getting “Ready for the Christmas markets” with items they made: Left to right John Donnellan, Albert Kilkenny and Jim Sheridan

ATHENRY MEN’S SHED CONTCT DETAILS Athenry Men’s shed operates out of a premises situated at the local Teagasc grounds at the Mellows Campus. Further information can be had from: Jim Reidy, Chairman 087 2242284, Martin O Grady, Secretary 085 1742547, Gilbert McCarthy, Treasurer 087 087 2237194.