Athenry News & Views Spring 2026

Athenry News & Views

Athenry Men’s Shed recently held its AGM at the shed on the Mellows Campus, reflecting on what has been another busy and productive year.The Secretary’s Report for 2025 highlighted a wide range of activities, from hands-on workshop projects to talks, trips and a successful fitness programme. The variety of initiatives throughout the year demonstrated both the skillset and the community spirit within the membership. Workshop Projects Making a Difference Members put their practical skills to excellent use across a number of worthwhile projects.One of the standout initiatives was the Simanjiro Project, undertaken in cooperation with the Athenry– Simanjiro Partnership. Shed members constructed a replica of a traditional Maasai hut from Simanjiro, Tanzania. The structure was displayed on the altar of Athenry Church over Christmas and drew considerable interest. Other practical projects included : Crafting and delivering two Buddy Benches to Coolarne National School, Replacing bench seating at Athenry Church car park at the request of Athenry Tidy Towns Constructing raised flower beds for a site opposite Tesco shopping centre An ongoing initiative sees members producing kindling from recycled pallets. The bagged firewood is sold to the public throughout the year and provides important income to help sustain shed expenses. Health, Learning and Community Engagement March marked the beginning of a 10-week fitness and Nordic pole walking programme at the shed, led by tutor Helen Daly. Funding support for the course was secured through a grant from GRETB, enabling members to focus on both physical wellbeing and social connection. In the same month, shed members joined the Athenry Women’s Group at the Raheen Woods Hotel for a talk on the “Fair Deal” scheme, delivered by local Athenry Men’s Shed A Year of Activity, Community and Craft By: Martin O’Grady

solicitor Cormac McCarthy. Creativity was also on display during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, where the shed’s entry, based on the theme “The Sum of Our Parts,” received a prize. Members were also on hand to assist at the Athenry Agricultural Show on May 25th in the Teagasc grounds, continuing their strong tradition of community involvement. A Musical Visit to Limerick On July 10th, twelve members traveled by train from Athenry to visit Dooradoyle Men’s Shed in Limerick. Their hosts, known for their musical talents, provided lively entertainment throughout the day. The visiting group agreed it was an enjoyable and worthwhile outing, strengthening ties between sheds. Fundraising and Support A church-gate collection held in July at masses in Athenry and Newcastle raised over €1,000. The shed expressed sincere gratitude to the community for its continued generosity. In June, members organised a tea and coffee fundraiser at the Pastoral Centre in aid of Western Alzheimer’s. The event, held after weekend masses, raised €1,407 and was deemed a great success. The shed movement continues to rely heavily on grant aid to operate. Athenry Men’s Shed acknowledges the ongoing support received from:vGalway Rural Development (GRD) GRETB The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Without such support, the work of local sheds would not be possible. Looking Ahead to 2026 Members agreed that 2025 was another successful year and look forward to building on that momentum in 2026. Athenry Men’s Shed meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11.00am at the Mellows Campus. New members are always welcome. Officers Elected for 2026 Chairman: Jim Reidy. Secretary: Michael Maunsell. Assistant Secretary: Martin O’Grady. Treasurer: Gilbert McCarthy. Vice Chair: Sean O’Brien. Safety Officer: Jim Sheridan. Child Protection Officer: Michael Delaney. Men’s Shed officers Gilbert McCarthy and Martin O’Grady plan ahead as members work on their St. Patrick’s Day Parade float.

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