PORTLAOISE MEN’S SHED – WHERE THE LIVING IS ‘FREE AND EASY’

Derek McGinn at the Men’s Shed in Portlaoise

I want to acknowledge the Laois Nationalist for this Article which can be viewed here on their website. 

“WE want Portlaoise shed to be self-sustaining. We try not to define it because that can restrict us,” said Joe Murphy, treasurer of Portlaoise Men’s Shed. Without trying to define it – men’s shed provides a space for men to come together to talk, learn new skills and socialise in a comfortable environment.

Men’s shed is an Australian concept, originally devised as a way for retired men to pass the time. Since then, the concept has grown both geographically and internationally. With branches all over the world, there are about 100 sheds across Ireland, north and south. Though retired men do play a major role in the sheds, they are now open to men from any walk of life.

Dr Lucia Callagher of Dundalk Institute of Technology carried out a study of men’s sheds last year, just as the Portlaoise branch was launched.