O’Shea Welcomes Funding Boost for Men’s Sheds Across Cork

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Deputy John Paul O’Shea, has today warmly welcomed the latest round of funding allocated to Men’s Sheds groups nationwide, with significant support delivered to groups across Cork.

Deputy O’Shea said that Men’s Sheds in Cork have benefitted from substantial funding over recent months, helping to support their day-to-day running and continued community engagement.

“Grants of up to €3,000 were made available to assist 369 Men’s Sheds with their running and operational costs such as heating, electricity and insurance bills. All applications were received and assessed by the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA). The emergence of Men’s Sheds has been a hugely positive development for communities right across Ireland, and this Government remains fully committed to supporting the vital work they do,” Deputy O’Shea said.

Welcoming the funding, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer TD, said “I am lucky to have visited many Men’s Sheds since I took up my position last year and I have seen first-hand the important role they hold in communities up and down the country. For the men and the wider community, the sheds help to tackle social isolation, provide a space to socialise, and build friendships, particularly in rural areas. This funding shows how this Government is emphasising its commitment to Men’s Sheds as outlined in the Programme for Government.”

Deputy O’Shea added “We are fortunate to have a very active and vibrant Men’s Shed network here in Cork, and the benefits both to the men attending and their wider communities are immeasurable. Sheds provide an informal, low-pressure environment for friendship and conversation — a place to meet, share skills and build connections.

“For many, particularly during life transitions such as retirement, bereavement or illness, Men’s Sheds are a vital support. This funding will be put to excellent use, and I am delighted to see Government continuing to back these important community organisations.”

Among the Cork Men’s Sheds to receive funding are groups in:

Aghada (€730.10), Allihies (€2,700.72), Ballincollig (€3,000), Ballinlough (€1,782.52), Ballinora (€1,335.09), Ballyphehane (€1,415.05), Bere Island (€1,077), Bishopstown (€1,743.65), Blarney (€3,000), Carraig na bhFear (€1,504.11), Carrigaline (€3,000), Charleville (€1,973.53), Churchfield/Gurranabraher (€716.31), Cork City (€1,639.28), Clonakilty (€2,220.82), Cloyne (€2,865.10), Cobh (€466.28), Douglas/Frankfield (€3,000), Glanmire (€2,530.55), Glounthaune (€1,406.25), Headway (€3,000), Hollyhill/Knocknaheeny (€3,000), Kanturk (€2,305.46), Kinsale (€3,000), Macroom (€2,861.27), Mallow (€2,287.09), Mayfield (€3,000), Midleton (€3,000), Millstreet (€2,631.87), Owenabue (€1,528.66), Rathcormac (€1,607.10), Ringaskiddy (€539.07), Rocky Road (€2,615.86), Shandon (€2,941.10), Shandon Haz Music (€904.28), Togher (€1,091.29), and Youghal (€1,981.86).

Deputy O’Shea concluded by saying “This funding is a clear recognition of the invaluable role Men’s Sheds play across Cork and Ireland, and I look forward to seeing these groups continue to thrive in the years ahead.”