Warmest of welcomes at Wicklow Men’s Sheds
I THINK our patron Michael D. Higgins said it best. Addressing the International Men’s Sheds Festival in Dublin in 2014, the President departed from his prepared remarks to thank the Australians present for “the great gift they have given Ireland in the men’s sheds”.
It’s widely known that the men’s shed movement began in Australia in the mid-90s; what’s less well-known is that the first shed was founded by a woman. I like to remind people of that because it emphasises that sheds have always been deeply rooted in their communities, just as they should be.
Many people ascribed the rapid growth of the men’s sheds movement to the recession. While it’s true that high unemployment contributed to the popularity of sheds, I never really agreed with that analysis. The need had always existed, even before the economic downturn.
Since the first Irish shed was founded in 2011, membership has sky-rocketed, and the calibre of sponsors the movement has attracted over the past six years attests to its social impact. We’ve been fortunate to develop partnerships with the likes of Guinness, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Haven Pharmacies, the Farmers’ Journal and, crucially, the HSE.
I’ve always been attracted to the idea of the shed as “the pub with no beer”. The social aspect is vitally important. Great work goes on in the workshops, and we’re always looking to provide more in the way of training, health and safety and first aid courses.
But a lot of older men shy away from the workshop – it can be very daunting to walk into a space that looks like a factory. It’s not all work and no play. That’s why it’s important to reach out to the community beyond the four walls of the shed.
I firmly believe that sheds make communities more inclusive. It’s a reciprocal arrangement. The more a shed engages with its community, the more goodwill and support it receives in return.
It’s staggering to take a step back and realise just how rapidly the movement has grown. We now have 400 ctive sheds throughout the island – the highest number per head of population of any country in the world. Despite the growth, I’m proud that sheds still maintain their independence and autonomy.
I’d encourage any Wicklowman to visit his local shed. Don’t prejudge – drop in yourself and make your own mind up. I guarantee you’ll find the warmest of welcomes and countless reasons to stay.