Even though it was only founded six months ago, in that time Killoe Men’s Shed in Co Longford has gone from strength to strength and has made a big impact on the local community. There are now nearly 30 members who partake in a variety of different activities, explains secretary Sean Murray,

Since its inception in February 2017, the Men’s Shed in Killoe has undertaken an impressive number of projects; from making bird and bat boxes to market stalls and many more things besides.

Sean says one very important aspect of the shed is maintaining its vegetable garden. On an acre of land adjacent to the shed, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beetroot, parsnips and onions are planted and grown. Every Thursday the members sell the garden’s produce to raise funds for the shed.

Killoe Men’s Shed had its first day out recently when the members attended the Virginia Show in Co Cavan. They not only enjoyed all on offer at the show, but some members also won prizes for items they had crafted in the shed. These wins were a great boost for all involved, highlights the secretary.

“We were blessed with the day, it was a wonderful day weather wise. There was a class at the show for Men’s Sheds and we entered a few things in it. We got a first and a second.”

However, it is not all work and no play in Killoe, Sean explains that there is a huge social aspect to the shed and members really enjoy coming down to chat and have a cup of tea.

“It is not all about work either, men come, sit down, play cards and chat, mostly about the football and stuff like that. People are finding it great, I was called down to a meeting initially and I got more involved than I had intended,” says Sean.

The Men’s Shed in Killoe is located at Kiltyreher, Carriglass, Co Longford and is open on Thursdays from 7-9pm. New members are always welcome.