Taoiseach Micheál Martin Recognises Value of Men’s Sheds

The IMSA was delighted to receive this letter from Taoiseach Mícheál Martin TD, recognising the value of men’s sheds to Irish society. To be recognised by the highest office in the land is a huge honour for the IMSA, but more importantly, a tribute to the public-spirited efforts of our sheds throughout the country over the past decade.

The letter reads: 

To the Irish Men’s Shed Association and all Men’s Sheds through Ireland.

I am writing to express my appreciation for the tremendous work of the Irish Men’s Shed Association and all Men’s Sheds throughout Ireland as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These times have been challenging for you and your members, as it has been for all people across Ireland, and the Sheds are a shining example of the continued resilience that will see us through this together.

In your response to the pandemic, I know that Sheds and their members have adapted to new technologies and formed a ‘buddying up’ system to keep all members linked up. I want to thank each and every Men’s Shed for this work, and for playing such a key role in each community they serve; it does not go unnoticed. You have rallied to support your members across the country, and this inclusive approach is what will keep communities across Ireland together as we respond to this pandemic.

Your work is also very much in line with the spirit of the recently launched ‘Keep Well’ campaign, which aims to support people and communities to mind their physical and mental health over the coming months by adding healthy and helpful habits to daily and weekly routines.

This Government’s commitment to Men’s and Women’s Sheds is outlined in the Programme for Government, and your work is more important to us than ever at this time.

I know that the Association is well supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and it has provided you with a grant from the Stability Fund, and that there are various capital grant programmes to which each Shed can apply if needed. I hope that this goes some ways towards helping your Sheds through this time.

While we face a difficult time ahead, the work of organisations like yours and each and every individual Shed will help to get us through this, and out the other side.

Thanks once again for your work and I want to wish you all the best for the future.

Yours sincerely,

Micheál Martin T.D.
Taoiseach