Laois men's shed donate Christmas cheques and launch lovely calendar

A Laois Men's Shed group has rounded off 2024 by generously presenting donations to two good local causes.

Mountmellick Men's Shed gave €200 each to the St Vincent's Community Nursing Unit patient fund, and to the SVP Holy Family Conference, gathering for the special moment on Saturday, December 21.

They have also produced their first calendar, featuring beautiful illustrations of the town's front doors and landmarks by a talented member who recently joined the shed, Shay Keenan.

Chairman Mick Feely told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that it has been a busy year for the club, which has about 40 members, some 25 of them actively involved.

"We did a big renovation on our main building, with a new roof, solar panels and interior decorating.

"We are delighted to present these cheques to two very good causes in Mountmellick who do trememdous work both in the hospital and throughout the community. The St Vincent de Paul help with excellent work providing for the needy of the area. I hope both donations will be of some help. 

"I also wish all the members of the men's shed and all who help and sponsor us, a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous new year," Mick said.

Accepting the cheques were Mary Gorry and Ann Dempsey, staff at St Vincent's CNU, and John Reddin, chair of the Mountmellick SVP conference.

The shed is based behind Mountmellick Community Arts Centre, meeting several times a week. They have a band and music lessons with Laois Music Generation and a carpentry workshop with tutor Jack Byrne. The club also enjoyed a holiday in Kerry, proudly shown around by member Colm Hannon, and a trip to Google headquarters in Dublin. 

One of their more senior members is John William, a native of Sutton, Dublin.

"I come every Monday night and we song songs, I come for the company, the chat," he said.

Member Shay Farley is the man behind Mountmellick's visits by Santa and St Patrick, with his wife Marie sewing all his outfits.

"I'm a member here for a good few years. I just come for the craic and the music," he said.

Tom Gorry acknowledged Laois County Council for their help with securing a climate action grant for the solar panels, which will cut their electricity bills. 

"Mountmellick Credit Union also look after us every year, and a big thanks to Laois Partnership and Music Generation too," he said.

The calender illustrator is retired butcher Shay Keenan. He told the Leinster Express / Laois Live about it.

"They are all pen and ink illustrations. I love art. You see the Dublin doors celebrated and I thought that would be nice to do in Mountmellick. When I had the shop I gave prints to the customers for free," he explained.

The desk calendar has a different illustration for every month, with facts on the back of each month about various members and activities. It is on sale for just €5 in Mountmellick Post Office and O'Gorman's newsagents, and from all Mountmellick Men's Shed members.

The shed also thanks everyone who supported their recent fundraising draw, including SuperValu for giving space for ticket sales. The winners of the draw were 1st Rose Dooley, 2nd Michael Gleeson, 3rd Maria Culleton, 4th Jamie Lalor, 5th Vincent Garty, 6th John Joe Poole.

The SVP Holy Family Conference supports people in financial need. Contact them on 086 4003469 to arrange a confidential visit from two of their volunteers.