New workshop marks major milestone for Kells Men’s Shed
The very successful Kells and District Mens' Shed were delighted with the installation of their new workshop last week.
“It was quite an emotional experience to see it being built before our eyes”, said chairman Seamus McDonagh, who had worked for this moment for many years.
The Kells group won the new steel workshop in a competition sponsored by Adman.
The members watched with anticipation as the Adman company arrived in Kells, with four trucks and eight workmen, to construct the steel shed which will be their new workshop. From 8am to 2pm Adman construction workers worked to erect the 40 x 26 shed on the green field site adjacent to Riverside housing estate.
The installation of the new shed was the result of a huge effort from members and considerable support from the community of Kells. In Spring of 2026 the Kells Shed launched a huge fund-raising initiative, a raffle for a major holiday or cash prize. The proceeds of the raffle would go to preparing the site, laying the foundation and installing services ducts. Much wear and tear of shoe leather ensued as members walked the streets and byroads of Kells selling tickets throughout the community. Secretary Jim Kieran commented, “The positive response we received from the people of Kells was very encouraging and kept us going”.
It was not only that a great number of tickets were sold and funds raised, Jim also commented that a great amount of community interest was generated and new contacts made through talking to people door to door.
“It brought attention to the shed and we hope this will result in the recruitment of new members”.
Seamus McDonagh confirmed that the raffle was won by Kells resident Simon McAleese, who very kindly donated the majority of his winnings back to the shed, “for which we are very grateful”. The draw, held in O’Connors pub on Farrell Street Kells, was attended by Shed members, and overseen by Peace Commissioner Cormac Corr.
The Shed's,Management Committee worked closely with Meath County Council, local councillors and Minister Helen McEntee over a number of years to secure the new site in Kells and is very grateful for their support. The committee continues to take every opportunity to access funding opportunities through grants, trivia quizzes and networking. One of those opportunities was the competition which they entered to win the Adman shed.
Adman, a Wexford based company which sells steel sheds nationwide, works with the Irish Men’s Shed Association to administer this competition annually. The opportunity to win an Adman shed is open to all Men’s Sheds in Ireland.
Kells Mens' Shed commended the work of Retovate the company which prepared the site and also thanked the companies that supported this build including O’Reilly Group who provided the concrete for the shed base, Gyprock, Hire Max, Kells Hire, St Colmcille’s Credit Union, Páirc Rí and Supervalu as well as many private individuals who made monetary contributions.
The shed members will not be resting on their laurels. Fund raising will continue in order to complete the project including connecting the services, fitting out the interior of the shed, complete ground-works and the enhance to the site.
“This is an on-going job of work”, commented the chairman, “We are very proud of what we have achieved so far and we aim to keep working with the community and supporters to get this workshop up and running”.
When that is completed, the Kells Shed plans to build a recreational centre to include a meeting room and facilities which it can share with other community groups.
Members currently meet in a rented space in Eureka House on Wednesdays 2pm – 4pm where they engage in social, educational and workshop activities. New members are welcome.
K&DMs can be contacted on 086-0456967 or info.kellsmensshed@gmail.com