Since its set up in the autumn of 2016, Keady Men’s Shed, Armagh has been a revelation. We spoke with Jimmy Hughes, one of its founding members who explained how it all began. “We decided to set up a shed in 2016 as we knew there would be an interest in this kind of thing. I had heard about other sheds around Armagh but I didn’t know a whole lot about it.
Since its set up in the autumn of 2016, Keady Men’s Shed, Armagh has been a revelation. We spoke with Jimmy Hughes, one of its founding members who explained how it all began.
“We decided to set up a shed in 2016 as we knew there would be an interest in this kind of thing. I had heard about other sheds around Armagh but I didn’t know a whole lot about it.
"So myself, Oliver Harvey and three or four others looked into it and in a short space of time the idea became a reality.
"We started renting an industrial unit from the local council for our workshop. It’s not too big but we make the most of what we have.”
There is a real sense of community here. Members come from all backgrounds and from both sides of the community, which is a really positive thing
Most of their members are retired with the eldest, Donald, going as strong as ever at the age of 89. “We have a strong core of about 16 members who are always present.
"There is a real sense of community here. Members come from all backgrounds and from both sides of the community, which is a really positive thing.”
The men get up to a wide range of activities with woodwork being their main focus. We make things like bits of furniture, flower boxes and we made wooden Christmas trees back in December.
"We open up a shop every Friday and Saturday where we sell our produce.”
The group have also taken health and wellbeing classes, computer lessons and blacksmith courses. It becomes very clear from talking to Jimmy that the group are very proud of their involvement in the community.
“We help out around the town whenever we can. Things like cleaning the chapel. We made up flower pots and boxes for the garden in the local school, and even showed the kids a bit of gardening which was great.”
Keady Men’s Shed are holding an Irish night in St Patrick’s Hall for St Brigid’s day. “It’s great to be a part of it all. It’s definitely given lads a new lease of life.”
If you are interested in joining or want to get more information, call Jimmy on 07745118028 or Oliver on 07849489334.
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