Community Group of the Year Finalist: Belturbet Men’s Shed, a force for good
The story of Belturbet & District Men's Shed is one of constant progress, and this year has seen them steam ahead with more exciting projects.
When founded back in November 2015 the 'shed' - a vacant Celtic Tiger building behind the Railway Station - opened just one day a week. Now completely renovated by the Shedders, it's a seven days a week operation.
"On Mondays we run horticulture classes," begins Patrick Hyland, one of its founding members, and until recently the secretary.
"Tuesdays IT classes and wood carving and wood turning classes, Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to be more sociable days, on Fridays we currently run cookery classes, and people come in on Saturdays and Sundays to do whatever they want to do."
The courses are facilitated by CMETB who provide trainers.
Originally called Belturbet Men's Shed, their reputation has seen people travel from farm beyond the Erneside town, which led to the inclusion of "& District" in their moniker.
"People come from quite a large area - Cavan, Bawnboy, Killeshandra, Teemore, Derrylin," enthuses Patrick.
One of their most impressive projects - the restoration of train carriages dating from the 1950s - is almost complete.
"They had been just rusting away with trees growing through them, lying at the railway station. We renovated them in co-operation with Loughan House Open Prison. Now they are awaiting installation on some plinths we intend building at the railway station."
They have also acquired two 20ft shipping containers and intend to convert them into a welding workshop.
"That's ongoing at the moment," reports Patrick.
He is eager to single out treasurer Michael Gorman as deserving of the most praise. Describing Michael as a "real driving force", Patrick credits him for accessing various grants.
"We have an excellent name, and in general we are seen as a force for good."
Their proudest achievement speaks volumes of the Shed.
"The fact that we bring people together to alleviate loneliness. There are so many men who just sit there looking at four walls. Unfortunately we don't get most of them, but we get at least some."