The National Conference of The Irish Men’s Sheds Association hosted by Castlebar Men’s Shed will take place this weekend in GMIT Mayo Campus in Castlebar, starting today, Friday November 15. It is estimated that more than 300 members, or “shedders” as they are known, will attend the event from all over Ireland, with attendees from the UK and Holland also to give their experiences from Men’s Sheds in their countries. An Taoiseach Enda Kenny will also attend the conference on Saturday.
The weekend will see guest speakers such as legendary GAA commentator Micheál O’Muircheartaigh, Sean Coughlin (CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland ), Magnus Collins (Sand to Snow Adventures and CEO of Cycle against Suicide ), and film maker and social activist Yuvi Basanth speak at the event.
There will also be performances from the Kilorglin Men’s Shed Choir and Armagh Sheds Drama Group. Exhibits from national sheds include a working loom and a forge. Local and national organisations holding stalls on the day include Aware, The Irish Heart Foundation, Pieta House, Mayo Mental Health, Teagasc, South West Development, Hand On Heart Enterprises, and Rock Rose House Cancer Support. The Irish Heart Foundation will provide free health checks on the day. It is very important to stress that this event is not exclusively for men. On the contrary there will be something for everyone on the day, from viewing the projects of the various sheds, to drama, competitions, raffle, music, and inspiring speakers.
