Kilanerin Men’s Shed has gone from strength to strength ever since it was formed in October 2018, by its current chair David Naughton.

David had noticed that there was space available in the local Kilanerin Community Centre and after gathering some support from his community and securing grants from Wexford County Development Association, he broached the idea of using the space for a Men’s Shed to the Kilanerin and Ballyfad Development Association.

Two years on and the shed has already completed numerous community projects, thanks to their 14 members.

The latest project the group have completed is restoring a garden bench

Some of these projects have included steam cleaning the perimeter walls of the church and working closely with Kilanerin Tidy Towns to keep the village clean. The latest project the group have completed is restoring a garden bench.

In the future, they are planning on putting an old-fashioned telephone box back in the village, with that hope that a defibrillator can be installed within it. The group were also approached about building a buddy bench in the playground at Kilanerin National School, and David says they hope to complete this task in the future.

Kilanerin Men’s Shed have also gone on various trips, including visiting three other Men’s Sheds in Arklow, Gorey and Kilmuckridge. They also hope to go to the Naas Races in September.

It’s a place to relax, socialise and carry out various projects together

The members of the group, David says are from a mix of various backgrounds, comprising mostly of retired businessmen, tradesmen, farmers and gardaí. He says that “everyone is welcome to join”.

David stresses that the emphasis is not just on the work but also the social aspect of the group which he believes is very important, and adds that “it’s a place to relax, socialise and carry out various projects together”.

The shed is situated in Kilanerin Community Centre and the members meet there every Thursday morning at 11am. Anyone interested in joining is asked to contact David Naughton on 086 8111609, or call down Kilanerin Men’s Shed at 11am on Thursday mornings.