The Irish Men’s Sheds Association will host the world’s largest-ever Men’s Sheds Gathering at the National University of Ireland, Galway in August 2020.
The marquee event is to be formally titled the Men’s Sheds Global Gathering 2020 and will be the largest gathering of men’s sheds members in the history of the global movement.
It represents another signature event of global significance for the city of Galway during its year-long reign as European Capital of Culture.The launch event at NUIG was attended by university president Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh and Sean Kyne TD, Minister of State for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands.
Minister Kyne offered warm words of encouragement ahead of the planned event.
The Men’s Shed movement in Ireland continues to grow and develop at a phenomenal pace with over 450 communities across the country now benefitting from a Men’s Shed”, he said.
“Tackling social isolation and loneliness, improving health and well-being, imparting new skills and developing and nurturing friendships are just some of the benefits which participants gain. Such benefits are why the Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development, supports men’s sheds.
“I am delighted to help launch what will be the largest international Men’s Shed gathering which will take place next August in NUI Galway”, the minister continued. “The event will be a great opportunity to help spread the success of the men’s shed experience in Ireland around the world and I look forward to Galway hosting this global event next summer.”
As well as at least 1,000 members from Ireland’s men’s sheds – expected to exceed 500 in number by August 2020 – representatives from at least four continents are scheduled to attend. In addition to visitors from the spiritual home of the men’s sheds movement in Australia, members, supporters and officials from throughout Europe, North America and beyond will take part in the event.
On behalf of the IMSA, Chief Executive Officer Barry Sheridan said that thanks to the sheds and members, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association is now recognised as a global leader in its field.
“We’ve become the focal point of the European men’s sheds movement, and we’re looking forward to welcoming shed members and officials from as far afield as Iceland, Canada, Australia and Kenya to this landmark event”.
The Irish Men’s Sheds Association has become the lynchpin of the rapidly developing European men’s sheds movement, and supports the development of sheds in Iceland, Finland, Denmark, France and beyond, as well as maintaining strong relations with the men’s sheds movement in Great Britain.
The programme for the event is still in development, but will offer a full flavour of the global men’s sheds movement and its transformative potential. Further details will be released as this groundbreaking global event takes shape.
