I often say that I am going to the grave full of good intentions.

I first met the women of the Hen’s Shed at the Aisling Awards in 2024. That night they won a community award.

Their energy and passion for each other, and for representing older women, brought the house down.

Later in the evening, I stopped by their table and one of the women welled up as she told me how this group had sustained her after her husband died. I knew in that moment that I had to visit.

Alex Kane: What is there for unionism in a united Ireland?

Newton Emerson: The last thing Northern Ireland needs is more mayors

The unstoppable Hen’s Shed won another award a couple of weeks ago and reminded the audience that they weren’t invisible when they came to the stage.

The next week, I contacted Monica Culbert and asked if I could visit to hear from these women for myself.

Monica is the personification of a ‘doer’, that person who, come hell or high water, will exhaust all options to make something she believes in happen.

Despite having finished up for summer, Monica rallied the troops to come together last Thursday morning especially for my visit.

The first thing I spotted when........

© The Irish News