Banagher Men's Shed 'to bring people together' after official opening
The new Banagher Men's Shed, located at the town's old fire station on Cuba Avenue, has officially opened.
Enda Egan, Chief Executive Officer of Men’s Sheds Ireland, was in attendance at its launch event yesterday (Tuesday), along with Men's Shed members and local dignitaries.
Speaking about the event, Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy, Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council, said: 'It was a wonderful morning celebrating the official opening of Banagher Men’s Shed in its new home at the old fire station.
There was a fantastic turn-out, a wonderful atmosphere and great music playing. It was lovely to see such a crowd come together to celebrate the achievements of this group of men who have worked so hard over the past few months to revitalise the Men’s Shed and make their new premises a welcoming space for everyone'.
In January, Banagher Men's Shed signed a 30-year lease with Offaly County Council for its new home. Since then the group, with approximately 20 members, has converted the former fire station, with the help of local tradespersons, into a work space and lounge area in anticipation of the grand opening this week. The group is one in which men can meet to work on joint projects, socialise with others or just drop in for a chat and to get out of the house.
The group received €7,000 in funding courtesy of the BnM Community Benefit Fund and also received "generous donations" from local businesses, Loonam Motors, Grant Engineering, La Sainte Union and Flynn's Bar & Restaurant.
Cllr Hennessy Kennedy added that it is wonderful to see the group settled into its new home.
'The lads have given the old fire station a fantastic new lease of life with the facelift they carried out, and it is great to see the building being put to such good use within the community. A Men’s Shed is about so much more than projects and activities. It is about friendship, connection and having somewhere to go, where you can sit down, put on the kettle, enjoy a cup of tea and have a chat. Sometimes, that simple opportunity to meet people and have a conversation is the most important thing of all. I wish Banagher Men’s Shed every success in the new premises. May it be a place filled with friendship, laughter, community spirit and many happy years ahead', she said.
Deputy John Clendennen TD echoed these sentiments, saying 'a fantastic job has been done transforming the former fire station'.
'There was a brilliant turn-out for the open day, celebrating a wonderful community project that has benefited from Bord na Móna (BNM) Community Benefit Funding. Men’s Sheds play an invaluable role in bringing people together, fostering friendships and supporting well-being in our communities', he said.
Meetings of the Men's Shed are due to take place each Tuesday following the opening of the new premises.