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Mary Allen of Avondhu Blackwater Partnership with, from left: Paul Philpott, David Gahan, Donal O’Shea and Ted Cremins of Fermoy Men’s Shed. Photo: Ellen Lynch

Fermoy Men's Shed is in urgent need of a new home. The group has to move out of its premises on the Dublin Road by this Friday and, with no alternative accommodation lined up, it faces disbandment.

Members made a last ditch appeal this week to the owners of any premises currently unoccupied that might be suitable for their needs, to consider allowing them the use of it.

Men’s Sheds are community-based, non-commercial groups open to all men where the primary activity is the provision of a safe, friendly and inclusive environment for men to gather and/or work on meaningful projects at their own pace, in their own time and in the company of other men. The primary objective is to advance the health and wellbeing of participants.

David Gahan has been the driving force between Fermoy Men's Shed which was set up nearly two years ago. The group has grown in number and worked on a number of projects in the local community since. There's a cross section of ages involved.

This week on behalf of members, David extended sincere thanks to local businessman Dave Ryan of Amber Service Station, who has allowed them the use of their current premises since they were set up. They have to move as the site is being developed.

They've looked at a number of properties around Fermoy and one appeared suitable but, as a non-profit making group, they are unable to pay the rent being asked for. They are currently looking at means of sourcing some type of funding. David Gahan points out that any property owner willing to let a vacant property won't be liable for commercial rates as they'd be leasing it to non-profit making group.

Without a premises to base themselves in, David Gahan and Paul Philpott, the group's PRO, fear that the progress they've made and the momentum they've gained will be lost. It's important therefore that they source a suitable premises as soon as possible.

It's pointed out that the ethos of the group and nature of their work would be of benefit and would actually complement and even enhance any premises they'd operate from.

Avondhu Blackwater Partnership has supported Fermoy Men's Shed and their programme co-ordinator Mary Allen, visited the group on Tuesday last to discuss their situation and options.

David Gahan pointed to the vacant Fitzgerald Army Camp right across the road from them. "There's a premises in there that'd be perfect for us," he pointed out. The Fermoy branch of the UN Veterans also has plans for the vacant site, currently for sale by the Department of Defence. David is frustrated by the number of premises lying idle while they search for a new base. Without it, he fears, Fermoy Men's Shed will be no more.

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