We are immensely proud to support the Mountmellick Men's Shed in County Laois through our 2024 Community Fund. The Men's Shed movement in Ireland, particularly in Mountmellick, plays a vital role in fostering community spirit, enhancing well-being, and providing a safe space for men to connect, share skills, and contribute meaningfully to their local area.

The Mountmellick Men's Shed is not just a place for woodworking and music, though these are popular activities. It is a hub of social interaction, where men come together a few times a week to share stories, enjoy a cuppa, and engage in various hobbies. The Shed's music nights, which have become a cornerstone of their activities, is a testament to the creativity and camaraderie that flourish within its walls. This group of dedicated individuals also takes pride in supporting local initiatives, by crafting bird boxes and flower planters, showcasing their commitment to beautifying their community.

Our support will help sustain and expand the Shed's activities, allowing them to continue offering a welcoming environment where new members can join and where existing members can further develop their skills and friendships. The impact of the Men's Shed is far-reaching, as it also addresses social isolation, especially among men who might otherwise feel disconnected from their community.

We are thrilled to contribute to a group that embodies the values of community, support, and personal growth. Our 2024 Community Fund will enable the Mountmellick Men's Shed to continue their excellent work and help more men experience the joy and purpose that comes from being part of such a vibrant community. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting local initiatives that make a real difference in people's lives.

If you are interested in finding out more, the group meets every Monday night from 8pm to 10pm in the building behind the Community Arts Centre.

“Our panto is our club’s main fundraiser, it helps us to cover expenses such as insurance, oil, and any costs we come across to maintain our hall so our club members and members of the community can use it for their enjoyment. None of this would be possible without the support of Mountmellick Credit Union.

Last years panto saw several sold out shows and also brought a wave of energy and excitement to the town of Mountmellick and surrounding areas. This year we had 80 children on stage. The funds we received from Mountmellick Credit Union went towards their costumes and dance tuition. Mountmellick Mácra do not charge the children comparable rates to other extra-curricular activities in the area, and this is also supplemented by Mountmellick Credit Union’s kind sponsorship. This enables many children from all backgrounds the chance to be on stage.

This year the funds raised by our pantomime will not only cover some of the expenses mentioned above but will also go towards our roof development fund which we hope works will begin on shortly.”

Andrew Dunne, Club Chairperson

Mountmellick Drama Festival is firmly established as the premier event in the Laois and Midland’s Theatre calendar and is run by Mountmellick Drama Group; a voluntary run, self-funded, not for profit organisation made up of members with many diverse skills and talents from all over the community.

The Festival runs in the recently refurbished Mountmellick Community Arts Centre which boasts a four-hundred and fifty seat auditorium

In April this year, Mountmellick Drama Festival were the proud hosts of the 2024 Bostik All Ireland Confined Drama Finals.

“Mountmellick Credit Union has been supporting the Drama Festival, the Drama Group and the Community Arts Centre since 1994. That support has allowed us to invest on an ongoing basis in improved facilities for the performing groups, improved comfort for the audience and to ensure that Mountmellick attracts the best of the touring drama groups bringing the best theatre for its festival every year. The success of the festival is evidenced in the annual increase in audience numbers coupled with the subsequent success of our performing groups at the All-Ireland finals each year. While monetary sponsorship is always important, the ongoing confidence of our community in the organising committee, as championed by the Credit Union’s solidarity is equally crucial to our ongoing development.” 

Mountmellick Drama Group

“Any sponsorship which we have received from the Credit Union has gone towards running and maintaining the building, for this we are most grateful. The Arts Centre is now in a position to play a major role in the entertainment, cultural, artisitc and heritage needs of the town and county.”

Gerald Lynch, Vice Chairman, Mountmellick Community Arts Centre