Women's Shed wonderful birthday in Laois Offaly town

Women’s Sheds are being established all over Ireland and Portarlington's ladies have caught on to the fun and fulfillment they can deliver.

They are age-friendly, intergenerational groups that bring women together in a safe, supportive environment, in order for them to learn, teach, share, build friendships, gain new skills & feel empowered. 

The Portarlington Women’s Shed started on May 5 2022 at the Further Education Centre, Portarlington. This came about when local lady Judy Barrett heard a Radio announcement about the Tullamore women’s shed. Judy posted the idea of a Women’s shed in Portarlington on Social media. The response was astonishing. 

A week later a group of ladies got together and formed a caretakers committee. The word went out that the Portarlington Shed was formed in the Laois Offaly town. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Cutting the cake at Portarlington Women's Shed First Birthday party were: Judy Barrett (Chairperson), Cllr Aidan Mullins and Maureen Jensen. Photo: Michael Scully.

The Shed is now celebrating their 1st anniversary, and have 68 members, with new members joining every week. Now meeting every Thursday morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm at the Portarlington Community Centre. 

During the first year a host of activities took place. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured at Portarlington Women's Shed First Birthday party were: Judy Barrett presenting a bouquet of flowers to Cora Kavanagh who has not missed a Women'S Shed meeting since it began, on left is Maureen Jensen. Photo: Michael Scully.

They include flower arranging, horticulture, developing intergenerational friendships, wreath making, sewing, meditation, life coaching, card making, furniture upcycling, decoupage, DIY birdhouses, fitness classes, quilling, knitting and all kinds of crafting.

Day trips have also been enjoyed by the ladies while the first Christmas party took place last December, with the first anniversary celebrated on Thursday, May 4.  MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured are the Women's Shed members. Pic Michael Scully

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The members say the Portarlington community and businesses have been extremely supportive to the group, with their generous donations, which have helped the Shed meet its goal to reduce isolation and increase connections. You can call in any Thursday morning, or for more information contact 087 9111003.