The last major men’s sheds event of 2018 took place at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry, as 150 members from both sides of the border came together for a men’s sheds showcase.

The day proved a truly joyous occasion, with countless friendships forged and display tables heavily laden with sheds’ handiwork.

Oksana McMahon, deputy chair of Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, gave a warm and welcoming opening address to the assembled throng.

“I am delighted and honoured to be here. As deputy chair, I am constantly amazed by the spirit, dedication and commitment sheds demonstrate. Sheds provide a welcoming space for men to work at their pace in a safe environment. I commend the work of all the groups here today, and I’m delighted that they have this chance to showcase their diversity and ingenuity.”

Next to the stage was BBC reporter Mark Simpson, a supporter of men’s sheds, who attributed his appearance on the day to some gentle (and not-so-gentle) arm-twisting from his friends at Rostrevor Men’s Shed.

Mark was the first speaker to address the elephant in the room at any such cross-border gathering: namely, the looming prospect of Brexit and all it will entail for border communities and others on the island.

Mark broached the subject in typical good humour, asking visitors from the Republic to ensure they had their passports ready in case circumstances changed before they made their return trip across the border.

The emotional core of Mark’s address was demonstrated with a map featuring the locations of all 400+ men’s sheds on the island. Asking members present to reflect on their achievements, Mark made the point that “one-hundred years ago, if you’d told anyone in Ireland that there would be an organisation with branches all over the island that wasn’t religious, wasn’t political and was open to everyone, they just wouldn’t have believed you”.

Mark’s entertaining address featured a liberal helping of audience participation. Reflecting on the importance of sport in men’s lives, Mark canvassed the audience for their own most memorable sporting moments. Responses ranged from a hole-in-one in Botswana, to an Irish League goal scored past the legendary Pat Jennings.

One-hundred years ago, if you’d told anyone in Ireland that there would be an organisation with branches all over the island that wasn’t religious, wasn’t political and was open to everyone, they just wouldn’t have believed you.

A key component of Mark’s message was the importance of family, community and of avoiding comparisons with others. He received a rapturous reception from the 150 members present, and stuck around for a morning of Facebook-bound selfies and group pictures.

Attendees also heard from the irrepressible Bob Parke of Eglinton Men’s Shed in Derry, who gave a witty and informative progress report on the shed and its connections to its community.

Bob told a moving story of shed founder Gerard O’Donnell’s visit to Carrigaline Men’s Shed in Cork, and the inspiration he brought back across the border. Bob’s overarching message, the one absorbed from his visits to sheds throughout Ireland, was that the most important tool in any shed is the kettle.

Eglinton Men’s Shed enjoys a strong reputation in its home village, thanks to a series of public talks on issues as diverse as cancer awareness, mental health and the avoidance of scams and confidence tricks.

Bob was followed to the stage by Eamonn O’Connor of Rostrevor Men’s Shed, who brought updates on the shed’s renowned Tommy Project (a World War I commemoration) and its deepening roots in its local community.

In his closing address, CEO Barry Sheridan of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association outlined a new initiative which will facilitate cross-border shed visits – a lasting legacy of a day that will live long in the memory.