Kilcock Men’s Shed has one of the most diverse repertoires of any shed on the island. As well as its celebrated choir, the shed hosts a busy workshop, which churns out goodies at a rate that would put Santa’s elves to shame.

The shed is also rich in the fruits of the earth, coaxing potatoes, tomatoes, onions and parsnips from a patch of Kildare soil that was once a tangle of weeds awaiting the shed’s restorative touch. It’s perhaps no surprise that Kilcock Men’s Shed has proven a magnet for eminent visitors. In October, the shed threw open its doors for the launch of the Irish Farmers Journal’s Men’s Sheds supplement.

The trend continued in December with the arrival of Michael Ring TD, Minister for Community and Rural Development. The minister’s visit was arranged to mark the culmination of a memorable year for men’s sheds in Ireland, with the opening of the country’s 400th shed.

Speaking at the event, Minister Ring was effusive in his support for the men’s shed concept. “When I look around here today, I see the finest of talent that would have been hidden but for the men’s shed. The kind of talent I can see all around me – the wooden objects, the seating – all of that would have been lost to society without the men’s shed. Keep up the community spirit and the good work; it’s about community, working with one another and helping one another.”

The minister went on to lavish praise on the community spirit at the heart of the men’s sheds movement. “If ever an organisation has really taken off without any support from Government, it’s the men’s sheds,” he stressed. “That proves that there was a need for it, that we need to continue it, and, the most important thing, that we need to try and get a bit of support for you. I will look at ways and means to support you, because you’re worthy of support.”

The minister also reflected on the rapid growth of the men’s sheds movement in just six years, noting that the Irish Men’s Sheds Association was now receiving an average of four enquiries per week from communities wishing to set up sheds.

After his warmly received speech, the minister met with members of the shed committee, receiving a handsome piece of carved bog oak as a memento of his visit. He also spoke with Irish Men’s Sheds Association CEO Barry Sheridan, chair Killian O’Flynn and board member Eoin Martyn.

Speaking afterwards, Barry Sheridan was delighted with the minister’s support. “It was a real privilege to welcome Minister Ring. It’s clear from his comments that he really gets what men’s sheds are all about. For a cabinet minister to come here and speak as strongly and enthusiastically as he did is a great boost to everyone at the end of a fabulous year for men’s sheds. He sees the impact sheds are having on communities in both rural and urban areas, and I think his comments and the commitment he made reflect that”.

Earlier, the minister had toured the shed workshop and garden, showing a particular interest in the shed’s newest venture – colourful plaster models of motifs ancient, modern and seasonal. With the formalities over, minister Ring sat in on a performance by Kilcock Men’s Shed choir, who treated him to a rendition of their chart-topping hit The Sands of Time, followed by a moving solo-and-chorus version of White Christmas. CL