At this years’ Fisherman’s Friend Shed Series competition, Letterkenny Men’s Shed are returning back to Donegal, as a proud runner-up and taking home a cash prize for their Men’s Shed.
Following a nationwide search by Fisherman’s Friend, which asked Men’s Sheds from across Ireland to create a piece of art that best depicts what their community means to them, 21 Men’s sheds brought their creations to the Shed Series event, which took place at the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, Dun Laoghaire.
Letterkenny Men’s Shed showcased their piece of work in front of an expert judging panel, which included editor of the Irish Farmers Journal and Irish Country Living, Mairead Lavery; Broadcaster, Marcus Connaughton and Martin Stimson, Area Business Manager, Fisherman’s Friend.
Martin Stimson, Area Business Manager of Fisherman’s Friend said “The quantity and quality of this year’s entries was very impressive and it was great to see such a diverse range of artwork being created by members of the Irish Men’s Shed Association.
“Hailing from across Ireland, we had almost 100 attendees at our final, and it is fantastic to see the bond and the strength of friendship that exists between members and sheds.”
This year Fisherman’s Friend introduced an online People’s Choice competition – which ran on the Fisherman’s Friend Facebook page, speaking about the new addition Martin Stimson continues:
“The Fisherman’s Friend Shed Series introduced the People’s Choice Award category this year, and Ballina Men’s Shed has been crowned the winner after receiving over 630 online votes for their piece of artwork. This online addition to the competition has highlighted the local support and strong bond that exists between the Men’s Sheds and the local community in Ireland.”
KC Men’s Shed was crowned the winner at the event; their piece of work stood out above the rest due to its originality, fine craftsmanship and how it visually represented what their community in County Kerry means to members of the shed.
The Fisherman’s Friend Shed Series competition launched in 2016 in association with the Irish Men’s Shed Association. For more details on this year’s event and to see the full range of artwork from Men’s Sheds across Ireland, visit Fisherman’s Friend Ireland Facebook Page at Facebook.com/FishermansFriendIreland.
The IMSA is a national organisation, set up in January 2011, with the purpose of supporting the development and sustainability of Men’s Sheds on the Island of Ireland. Representing the collective issues of Men’s Sheds in Ireland, the organisation is working towards a future where all men have the opportunity to improve and maintain their health and well-being by participating in a Men’s Shed within their community.
