'It's a brilliant organisation': Thriving mens shed group in Offaly secure permanent base

Banagher Mens Shed group have secured a new permanent home in the heart of the Offaly town. 

The group which consists of 20 members will now hold their meetings at the building of the former fire station on Cuba Avenue.

The proposed lease of the disused fire station site was reviewed as part of the agenda for the January meeting of Offaly County Council where it was discussed and ultimately sanctioned. 

The fire station site was leased to the West and South Offaly Homefix since 2020 but they have since terminated the lease agreement leaving the building vacant since October, 2025. 

The stipulations of the new lease agreement with the Banagher Mens Shed state that the lease will come into effect from February 1, 2026 which will last for a term of 20 years with an annual rent of €100.

The site which is zoned as community services/facilities on the current development plan will now be home to the group which provides a number of activities and projects to its members as well as a place to socialise. 

Councillor Audrey Hennessy-Kennedy spoke on the matter at the January meeting of Offaly County Council as she outlined the importance of the community group.

She stated: "Members of the mens shed need a working accessible space where they can support each other. It's a big part of the community and sometimes the most vital tool is the kettle because there's nothing more important or powerful than a cup of tea and a chat, that's why having this base will help truly reflect the ethos of what a mens shed is all about."

The Fianna Fáil councillor added: "The group currently has 20 members and is constantly growing week by week, some people just want to get involved in new projects whilst others simply want a space to meet and talk in order to feel connected which is vitally important. 

For all those reasons, it would be great to support the men's shed by helping them secure this new space so they can continue their vital contribution to the community."

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Councillor Peter Ormond also welcomed the move for the community group. He commented: "I'd like to formally second the motion, I've been involved in this project and been at a number of meetings, it's great for them to get a 20-year lease.

It's a great social outlet where members can come together to combat social isolation and participate in a number of projects or even just playing cards or chatting."

Councillor Ormond concluded: "It's absolutely great to see this building being put to good use, it now has an excellent tenant and it's a vital service in south Offaly, I want to say well done to all concerned in achieving this."

Sinn Féin councillor, Sean Maher praised the work that went into securing the site. He said: "I want to support this proposal as well, it's very welcome for the Banagher Mens Shed. I want to thank Offaly County Council for offering this site and the use of its facilities. The mens shed is a brilliant organisation. 

Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, councillor John Leahy said it's fantastic to see the move come to fruition. He added: "It's great to see Banagher Mens Shed now moving into the disused fire station building, it's a very favourable lease and I'd like to thank all those involved.

It was great to find a way to make this happen, it suits their future plans and what they are looking for and it'll also help the upkeep of the other amenities in the locality as well."