Longford's new Men’s Shed in Ballymahon offers men a social community as local interest surges

​The newly formed Ballymahon Men’s Shed will provide a much-needed social outlet for local men in terms of building friendships, camaraderie and providing a space to gather and get involved in a range of activities.

​Secretary Pat Farrell said they previously had a club in the area about eight years ago and himself and Brian Madigan, the new chairman of the group, felt it was time to re-establish a club.

David Hanley of Peter Hanley Motors with John Ryan and Pat Farrell from Ballymahon Men's Shed. Picture: Shelley Corcoran

Pat said himself and Brian went down to a meeting in the Bridgeways FRC last November where the town council had come up with an idea that there was a need for a men’s shed and he became involved as a committee member quite suddenly.

"I thought all I was going to do was go down and sign on the dotted line and say, 'I want to be a member, but the guy from the council said, 'Pat and Brian, you two are interested in a shed, you go away and set it up and we'll give you whatever help we can'"

Read: Longford haulage firm who support protests facing over €100,000 bill in extra fuel costs

Pat said they went away worked on things and the Ballymahon Men's Shed was formed on January 26 last and they have faced an 'uphill struggle ever since'.

He stated they currently have no premises to call home, but there has been a lot of support from the local community, they have secured insurance through FBD and they are very hopeful for the future.

"We have 30 men interested in becoming active members and for now, we will be operating the social side of the shed, meeting regularly for tea and coffee and chats."

Pat said the group were due to hold a meeting on Tuesday morning, April 14, their first AGM at the Bridgeways FRC, and they were hopeful of attracting 15-to-20 of the interested men and signing them up.

He stated he had the 'constitution ready to go' and that will be discussed and agreed and signed by the membership and they would be looking for an annual fee to cover insurance.

Read: BOGUS ALERT: Residents of North Longford warned of scam tradesmen posing as council workers

Pat said becoming a member of Ballymahon's Men's Shed can bring a plethora of benefits, adding that "it's a great social outlet."

Picture: Shelley Corcoran

Pat stated they have great interest in the shed from local businesses and they are hopeful of more sponsorship in the future.

"Peter Hanley Motors, Ballymahon, has given us very generous sponsorship and the Affinity Credit Union here in town gave us a few bob and Wide Street Brewing gave us a donation as well."

Pat said the initial building that was earmarked by Longford County Council was the old boys national school.

"That's in the overall plan for the town."

"But the overall plan is three years in print now."

"It's kind of out of date and the council don't even own the Old Boys National School, it's still in the hands of the clergy."

"So, by the time that's transferred from education out of the parochial hands into the council, it's probably two years away."

Read: The Longford physio on tour with golf's biggest names

Pat said there are grants available, but they are all available early in the year and the deadline for them has already passed.

"We have been actively looking around with Lorraine O'Connor, who is the regeneration manager for the town with Longford County Council. She has been looking and we've been looking and thankfully, we've had an offer from the GAA here in Ballymahon."

"They have an old 40-foot container that they're going to give us the use of."

"It's filled with stuff belonging to the community games so it has to be cleared out and cleaned and painted."

"But at least it's the offer of a premises that we can call our own."

There are over 450 Men's Sheds operating across Ireland.

Picture: Shelley Corcoran

Pat and Brian visited four men's sheds, two in Longford, in Killoe and Edgeworthstown and two in Westmeath in recent months for research purposes when establishing the men's shed.

Read: Award winning Longford car dealership unveils brand new showroom

Pat said Edgeworthstown, like themselves don't have a premises and they are running a meeting every week in a storeroom out of Quinn's old grocery shop but Killoe, which is open five days per week, is a different set up.

"They're very active making flower beds and all sorts of things.”

Pat said Ballymore in Westmeath are only interested in social gatherings and meeting for a cup of tea and every town is different.

"When I filled up the application form one of the questions was, 'What skills do you bring' and we've got carpentry, we've got welding, computer skills, gardening, DIY.

Read: Congratulations: Killian crowned Longford Novice Ploughing winner

"And then the other question was, 'What skills would you like to develop or see in the shed' and we put down woodturning and carpentry."

"So with the skill set that we have of those that showed an interest, if they come to fruition, we'll be able to teach new skills to others."

Pat said all new members are very welcome.