Building community from the ground up
Supported through the LEADER Programme
Carrigaline Men’s Shed began with a simple vision: to create a welcoming space where men could connect, share skills, and contribute to their community.
With support from SECAD Partnership through the LEADER Programme, that vision became a reality. A group of inspired volunteers made their dream come true, and Ireland’s first purpose-built Men’s Shed constructed on a greenfield site was opened in Carrigaline.
SECAD Partnership played a key role at every stage — guiding development plans, connecting the group with funding agencies, and helping secure vital LEADER support for the build, and later, for a solar energy upgrade.
Today, the 4,000 sq ft shed is a thriving social hub — built by the community, for the community. It has facilities for woodwork and metalwork,
Visit the Carrigaline Men’s Shed website to learn more about the activities and services they offer to the community.
Over the past 30 years, SECAD Partnership has supported more than 500 community infrastructure, building, and amenity projects, providing guidance and grant aid of up to €500,000. Each has made a difference locally – this is one such story.
Discover more stories highlighting SECAD’s 30-year journey in promoting rural development and social inclusion in East, South, and West Cork and across the island of Ireland since 1995.
