Bringing people together in Borrisokane

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.

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. The group have free standing flower planters and window boxes for sale at the Community Centre.

Formed back in February 2022, there are 12 men who are active members and their Secretary is Gerry Duggan. Gerry explained: “The Men’s Shed brings together a group of people who do a lot of work. It’s not all work, though, as there’s a lot of chatting that takes place too over 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.”

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 has people from early 40s 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.

The group undertook carving courses, which are sponsored by the Tipperary Education and Training Board. Thursdays was the chosen day and the group are continuing to do the courses. These courses are open to the community. Some of the carvings that are on display, have been created by women. “We are hoping that some of the women would come together and form a Women’s Shed,” added Gerry.

Mike Ryan of the North Tipperary Development Company, is the Tipperary Men’s Shed Co-ordinator. He pointed out that there are six Men's Sheds in the couny - 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 cover, paper work, which Mike helps with.

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.

He went on to say 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.

MEN'S SHED INFORMATION

Mike 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 made very welcome.