About Shed
February 2020
The village of Mountshannon, Co. Clare, is a small community surrounded by mountains and forests and it was in this village that the Mountshannon Men’s Shed was set up in 2014. Shed chair Donogh O’Connell shares that the shed was set up as a support system for the community and it connects the older generation with the younger generation.
The shed have only recently secured a long term “peppercorn” (negligible) lease on a third of an acre at the edge of the village not far from St Caiman’s Church. The members are currently applying for planning permission to develop the site for a meeting space and workshop. They hope to erect temporary structures and poly tunnels so that they can provide food for the community. The shed will also be based around recycling and minimal impact. Since the news spread about attaining the new premises four new members have committed to joining which brings the shed membership to 10.
The members are are either unemployed or retired and range in age from their early thirties up to 50. The shed have started a project focusing on reforestation of the area with native broadleaves, which – if it is a success – they hope could be rolled out across Ireland. They hope to get local schools involved and ask them to care for the seedlings, teaching the children the value of trees and tending for a seedling. The members have also restored and transformed 2 ploughs into a chaise lounge for 2 people to relax in the local park.
The shed meets every Thursday morning at 10 am and they are always open to new members. For more information please contact any of the 2 committee members listed or alternatively you can contact IMSA on 01 8916150