In PICTURES: Laois men are doing it for themselves

Saturday, November 25 2023 will go down as a historic day in the history of Knock, Co Laois as it marked the official opening of the restored Chapel House and the newly built Men's Shed. Photographer Alf Harvey was there for the Leinster Express / Laois Live to capture the celebration on camera. To see more of his pictures tap NEXT or ARROW. READ more below the picture.

The Chapel House is within the curtilage of Knock Chapel as is the new Men's Shed. 

Having agreed a lease with the Knock and Ballinakill Parish committee, Laois County Council granted planning permission.  The council assisted in fulfilling the requirements for grant aid from The Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Clann Credo provided bridge funding and Abbeyleix Credit Union gave us the facility. 

The Men's Shed was designed to store and repair vintage equipment. They hope ahve all the tools needed shortly to get things done! 

To renovate the chapel house they got funding from Laois Partnership. The builder for both projects was Patrick Kelly, with who the group say it was a great pleasure to work with.

"Everyone we have had dealings with have been extremely patient and understanding and we would like to acknowledge that. 

"We hope everyone who calls to Knock will enjoy a cup of tea or a game of cards or indeed avail of internet to do study or research and if there's no bell on your bike or there a crack in your crossbeam well grab a  welder..... if we have trained you," they say.

LOETB have kindly offered supports in funding training on various workshop skills and computers. 

The group says a lot of planning, loads of paperwork and phone calls went into getting this ready.

"We enjoyed it but we're only beginning, this is how Knock rocks!"

Knock Chapel House is an internet hub, a place for meetings, hosting courses, playing cards or drinking tae and apple tart, if one turns up.

The small community around Knock has always something going on, and a nice newly decorated place to study /work in a warm quiet place will surely be appreciated. 

For more email  knockvintagemensshed@gmail.com to book.