The Men’s Sheds association is filling a gap of comradeship and community, writes John Daly, as he headed to Cork to attend the largest gathering of the association in the world.

There are many stories and anecdotes around the community benefits of the Men’s Sheds movement — all of them underlining in various ways the ‘can do’ attitude of its members.

One I heard recently concerned a lady in the West of Ireland who was organising an important annual charity function, only to discover the night before that the builder hired to erect the platform and stands for the event was suddenly unavailable.

In an understandable tizzy at what to do with an overnight deadline looming, someone suggested calling the local Men’s Shed for help.

Within an hour, six able-bodied guys varying in age from 55 to 75 pitched up at the venue, tools and materials in hand, to expertly and efficiently save the day.

Their demanded reward for such dedicated service? A pot of tea and a plate of homemade scones.

Last week in Cork, within the confines of the stunning new Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium, a mini-United Nations of the Men’s Shed movement displayed its wares in the largest assembly of the global organisation this year. With all 32 Irish counties represented, it also included an international dimension of 500 members from Denmark, Iceland, Australia and the United States.

Gathered under the theme of ‘Connecting Communities’, the event aimed to reinforce the importance of Men’s Sheds to towns and villages throughout the country, and the world. During the two-day gathering, the focus was firmly fixed on the association’s triumphs, achievements and challenges — all structured around ‘Shed Stories’ — first-hand accounts of exemplary projects.

And proving that it’s not all about building and fixing, attendees in Páirc Uí Chaoimh found themselves serenaded by a selection of men’s sheds choirs, another burgeoning aspect of the association which has taken hold across the country. Fittingly, proceedings concluded with a rousing finale from the renowned and local Mayfield Men’s Sheds choir.

Appropriate to the venue, a number of headline speakers drawn from the world of elite sport were part of the Cork schedule, including recently retired Munster and Ireland legend Donncha O’Callaghan, making a welcome return to his home city.

“There was a huge gap there before Men’s Sheds came along, a real gap in finding a place where men could go to meet other men,” explains Barry Sheridan, CEO of the association.

“It was very hard to find any community space where men could congregate to get involved in their community or maybe learn new skills. The huge response to Men’s Sheds across the country clearly showed that need for that outlet as a place to harness that willing spirit.”

Since its foundation in 2011, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association has overseen an exponential growth in the number of locations throughout Ireland. From a standing start, the number of Irish sheds has increased from zero in 2009 to over 400 today. Men’s sheds are now present in each of the 32 counties, with as many as 50 in Dublin and 30 in Cork.

“This is the largest gathering of Men’s Sheds ever held anywhere in the world, and reflects Ireland’s status as world leaders in the field.

"We have the highest number of Men’s Sheds per head of population in the entire world.”

Even in an age of IT superhighways and answers to anything at the click of a computer mouse, the old-as-time instinct for simple human contact trumps even the enormous strides of the internet era.

“Even at a time when social media offers so much in the way of information and advantages, Men’s Sheds demonstrate the need for that human connection we all want. But it is even bigger than that, in fostering that sense of belonging to your community or place. It is an inherent part of Irish culture to want to feel proud of where we’re from, to feel a sense of connectivity to a local place.

"This kind of spirit expresses itself in many ways, everything from Tidy Towns, charity fundraising, helping schools or improvement projects for the local area.

"When we ask our members what do they get the most reward from, a huge percentage, over 80%, say it is that sense of being more involved in their community and giving something back.”

Earlier this summer, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, announced the provision of €500,000 to support the work of Men’s Sheds — capital funding that will provide small grants to

individual sheds for equipment purchase and structural improvements.

“In towns, villages and cities which I have visited as minister, I am continually struck by the great work that Men’s Sheds do in supporting important local initiatives. Among their ranks they have great expertise, experience and know-how and make a massive contribution to their local communities,” he added.

Barry Sheridan called the funding “the most significant development in the history of Men’s Sheds in Ireland, and reflects the impact sheds are making on communities throughout the country. It is a tribute to the work of all our staff and volunteers, as well as to every single Men’s Shed member and supporter who has helped make our sheds what they are today.”

Copper-fastening what must be a red letter year in the Irish Men’s Sheds history, the association was recently awarded the European Citizens’ Prize for 2018, which it shared with fellow Irish winner, Inner City Helping Homeless.

The Men’s Sheds were recognised for promoting “the health and well-being of members by combating issues such as loneliness and isolation while creating a culture where men can openly discuss their thoughts and feelings without stigma.”

The association was commended for “integration as one of its key values by being a dedicated, friendly and welcoming meeting place where men, regardless of age, background or ability, come together and undertake a variety of mutually agreed activities.”

Representatives of the association will attend the official prize-giving ceremony at the European Parliament in Brussels on October 9.