There are hundreds of men’s sheds groups across the country
14:11, 04 May 2026Updated 14:13, 04 May 2026
Members of Midleton’s Men’s Shed, based at the Midleton Community Centre(Image: IMSA)
A total of €76k has been announced for Men’s Sheds community groups across Cork. Nearly 40 Cork groups received grants of up to €3k to cover their costs.
Since 2011, the Irish Men’s Shed Association (IMSA) has been a lifeline group for thousands of men across Ireland. The ‘men’s shed’ movement began in Australia in the 80s and has since spread to hundreds of countries. The shed group come together to learn, share skills, and, most importantly, make connections. There are over 450 sheds across Ireland, and more than 10,000 men visit a shed every week to find friendship and community. You can find men’s sheds in Cork here.
Grants have been paid to 369 Sheds by the Department of Rural and Community Development, as part of a funding boost for the Irish Men’s Shed Association (IMSA). Over the last number of months, 37 Men’s Sheds in Cork saw funding of up to €3,000 to support their running costs.
Sheds are run as independent community organisations, and many offer activities such as woodwork, gardening, carpentry, music, fishing, and restoration work, so the funding boost will go a long way toward rising running costs.
The funding, together with funding provided by the department last year, means the Irish Men’s Sheds Association can distribute up to €1 million in support to their members.
Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD announced details of the Men’s Sheds that have benefitted from funding, and said that the growth of the men’s sheds movement has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland, particularly rural areas. Minister Buttimer said: “I am delighted to have been able to provide this funding to the IMSA to help support Men’s Sheds throughout the country.
“Men’s Sheds provide a vital service to men up and down the country, allowing them to come together in a safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment where they can share skills, connect with one another and with their communities,” he added, “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 their commitment to Men’s Sheds as outlined in the Programme for Government.”