Members from Men's Sheds across Cavan and Monaghan gathered in Belturbet after news that the 2025/26 sustainability grant would not be paid, leaving volunteer-run groups still waiting for running-cost support deep into the autumn.
Sinn Féin councillor Damien Brady attended the meeting and told Northern Sound that members "remain in limbo" in the final quarter of 2026, with no funding received yet. He is asking Cavan County Council to write to Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary seeking a specific funding allocation for Men's Sheds — and Hen Sheds — so the groups can be sustained.
Brady described Men's Sheds as a vital part of Ireland's community infrastructure: a supportive place where men can connect, look after their health and wellbeing, share skills and play a meaningful part in their communities. He said a positive government response is needed if Men's and Hen Sheds are to keep their doors open.
Four sheds in Monaghan
Monaghan has four Men's Sheds — in Ballybay, Carrickmacross, Clones and Monaghan Town — alongside ten in neighbouring Cavan, according to Senator Robbie Gallagher speaking to Northern Sound on 23 September. Gallagher said he had been contacted by sheds in both counties about funding worries and had raised the matter with Minister Calleary in the Seanad.
After confirmation from the Minister, Gallagher assured local sheds there would be "no threat" to funding and that funding was "guaranteed". That September assurance sits awkwardly beside today's picture of groups still without the 2025/26 grant and, in Brady's words, left in limbo as the year winds down.
What they got last time
The previous funding round was fully processed through the Irish Men's Sheds Association (IMSA). The Anglo-Celt reported on 4 May that 369 sheds nationally received grants of up to €3,000 towards heating, electricity and insurance. Monaghan's awards were Ballybay €2,708.70, Carrickmacross €1,428.20, Clones €1,995.92 and Monaghan €2,161.38.
Announcing that round, Minister Calleary said Men's Sheds provide a vital service and a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment where men can share skills and connect with one another and their communities. Local TD Brendan Smith welcomed support for 14 sheds across Cavan and Monaghan, while Minister Niamh Smyth highlighted the role of the sheds in combatting rural isolation.
National picture
Nationally, the IMSA wrote to sheds after meeting Minister Calleary to say the sustainability grant covering May 2025 to April 2026 would not proceed and that a new funding model would be pursued instead. That left sheds without dedicated cover for costs incurred since May 2025 — the same gap now being felt by groups in Monaghan and Cavan.
For Monaghan's four sheds, the Belturbet meeting underlines how long the wait has already been. As late 2026 continues without a clear allocation, Brady says only a firm government commitment will keep Men's and Hen Sheds on a sustainable footing.
