The ‘two Carmels’ in the hen shed

Cootehill Hen’s Shed is celebrating its first anniversary later this month after a year of highs that has seen over 50 local women come together, bettering their lives and that of those around them.

The idea for the shed began in early 2023 when the two Carmels - Carmel McCrudden and Carmel Pierce - took part in Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) training, which equips individuals with tools and techniques to empower local communities. The aim was to analyse their own living conditions, problems, and potentials thus fostering ownership and collaboration for sustainable development.

For the ‘two Carmels’ as they’re often better known, their training comprised of fieldwork examining the need for improvements in the lives of the people of the local area.

During that process, the ladies became more aware of how disadvantaged the women of Cootehill and surrounding areas were, and the role of the COVID-19 pandemic had in all of that.

As a result of their findings, the ladies established Cootehill Hen’s Shed in April 2023 at St Michael’s Hall on Friday mornings.

Since then, the group has gone from strength to strength with over 50 women now attending weekly.

Carmel Mc says the shed has given women a chance to come together and form new friendships, participate in a variety of activities, and take on courses including CPR, enjoy local stories by Hugh O’Brien, bus trips, tea parties, canoeing, smartphone and tablet courses, and much, much more!

“One of the many highlights for the women was taking part in the All-Ireland Line Dance at the Curragh Racecourse in Kildare where hen sheds from across Ireland gathered for the competition,” she added. “This was followed by food, music and entertainment and a great time was had by all.”

Meanwhile, participants of the Cootehill Hen’s Shed have also been provided with opportunities to “give back” to the community by donating to many local causes including Cootehill Cancer Care, Drumlin House, Holy Family School, and the homeless through the creation of over 80 shoeboxes last Christmas.

“Feedback from the group so far has been very positive and women who have made new friendships within the group are now socialising together outside of the hen’s shed - a development that has enhanced their lives greatly,” Carmel Mc continues, before pointing to how both she and Carmel Pierce would like to take the opportunity to thank businesses and organisations that supported their endeavour to bring the Hen’s Shed to fruition in the first instance.

“We want to thank business people in Cootehill for their valuable time through demonstrations, information and for the provision of samples that helped the group to get up and running,” she says, adding that without them Cootehill Hen’s Shed “would not have been possible”.

The ‘two Carmels’ also extended their thanks to many local organisations that supported them with grants including Cavan Monaghan Education & Training Board (CMETB), Cavan County Local Development (CCLD), Cavan Sports Partnership, Airtricity, and Age & Opportunity.

“A big thank you to Jeanie Freeman who donated €940 on behalf of ‘Bellamount Bells’ - a former women’s group in Cootehill. This is very much appreciated.”

As the two Carmels move on to their next venture, they want to wish Cootehill Hen’s Shed the very best and are hopeful it will always remain a place where “women’s voices are heard, where everyone’s opinion is respected, and where inclusion is key”.

“The all important tea, coffee, cake and conversation will never be forgotten,” concluded Carmel.