Kingdom Men’s Shed was birthed from the GAA’s Social Initiative in early 2014, following a comment that was made by Mary McAleese when she was travelling around Ireland. “She said to her husband: ‘Everywhere I go there is always women’s clubs. Where are all the men in Ireland?’” reveals Tom Cunningham, member of Kingdom’s Men’s Shed.

“Her husband, Martin, was friendly with the president of the GAA. He said most men in Ireland have something to do with the GAA, they played football or they were supporters, so they came up with this idea getting clubs to start a group for the older men in the clubs.”

This idea later morphed into Kingdom Men’s Shed and the shed takes its name from the local GAA club. This aspect is unique, separating Kingdom Men’s Shed from others across the country because of it origins.

Tom reveals that the men love to sit around drinking tea and telling stories. They also enjoy going on trips, which they have been able to subsidise thanks to funding from various trusts.

“We went on an overnight trip to Derry this year at the end of June. We stayed in a hotel and went round the Walls of Derry,” explains Tom. “And we went on the Ferry to Cooley Men’s Shed.”

Kingdom Men’s Shed has ensured that they can provide for all of their members, including those with health issues and mobility needs, having built a ramp to provide easy access into the shed. They also work very closely with the local primary schools.“They asked us to help out with weeding and we painted the picnic tables,” says Tom.

Kingdom’s Men’s Shed, situated on the grounds of The Kingdom GAA Club, is two miles south of Kilkeel in Co Down. The shed is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11am to 1pm. New members are always welcome to join. They can drop in on any of the opening days or contact Tom on 077 191 2044 or Joseph on (028) 4176 3681.