Men’s Sheds across the country take part in a huge range of activities, but there are not many that can say they were No 1 on iTunes for a spell. Well, the Men’s Shed in Kilcock, Co Kildare can.

Secretary Liam Farrell explains that shed members decided to set up a choir last year to commemorate one of their founding members, who had sadly passed away. They subsequently recorded a CD that went to No 1 on the iTunes Easy Listening Chart.

Founded in 2014, the Men’s Shed in Kilcock now boasts an impressive 36 members. There is something for everyone at the shed, with gardening and woodworking being particularly popular among the men.

“Some of the men work in the garden; others take part in woodwork projects. Some just like to sit and have a chat over a cup of tea. That’s fine too. There is no obligation on members to do anything in particular, it’s whatever they want themselves.”

The members are hugely involved in the local community, making planters for the Tidy Towns Committee, helping elderly people maintain their gardens and much more besides.

The attraction of Men’s Sheds, Liam feels, is in the sense of belonging that members get: “We have members, men that are living on their own, they’ve come down and are delighted that they got involved. They enjoy the company, the banter and there is always a bit of craic.”

“Most significantly, though, we had a number of member’s wives who said to us it was the best thing that ever happened to their husbands. Guys that had retired and were just sitting around looking at television all day and now they are full of enthusiasm and love going to the Shed.”

Kilcock Men’s Shed can be found on Church Street, Kilcock, Co Kildare, and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 2pm. New members are welcome and further information can be obtained by calling 087 298 9787.