Baltinglass Men’sShed take up the challenge
NOT every branch of the Men’s Shed organisation takes the shed part of the title seriously – but they do in Baltinglass.
When parish priest Father Tommy Dillon came up with an offer of premises, he had a milking shed in mind.
The group took off more than three years ago thanks to community activist Margaret Milliken who called the original meeting.
When Father Tommy applied his mind to where the members might meet, the best he could do was the old milking parlour near the church.
The building was far short of being immediately suitable, so refurbishing the place provided an initial challenge to the men.
The height of the doorway, for instance, was just four and a half – suitable for cattle but not ideal for human visitors.
The work has been extensively and enthusiastically carried out to provide a fitting headquarters.
It is located beside Baltinglass’s very special community garden which the members happily help to maintain.
They have also commandeered space to grow their own vegetables, with a healthy crop of spuds in prospect.
Indoors, much of the action centres on the old-fashioned range which boils the kettle and provides heat.
‘It is an alternative to the pub or the betting office,’ suggests member Stephen Beggs.
The members not only socialise but also tackle projects such as the production of ‘ buddy benches’ for local primary schools.
They have also manufactured window boxes and cat feeders, while always eager to help local householders whenever they can.
The latest challenge to be presented to them is an old governess trap – a fancy name for a donkey cart – for refurbishment.