Kildare-based women’s shed celebrates book launch in Naas
Proceeds from sales will go towards the continued activities of the Naas Women's Shed
Last week, Naas Women’s Shed (NWS) announced the launch of its book 'Our Shed, Our Stories', a project where over 90 members contributed a range of poetry, songs, recipes, short stories and more.
And yesterday (Tuesday, November 10 last), the group officially launched the book inside Naas Library and Culture Centre.
The launch was attended by NWS group members, their families and friends, the Mayor of the Naas Municipal District Cllr Bill Clear (Independent Ireland), Cllr Fintan Brett (Fine Gael) and Kildare County Council representative Carmel Cashin.
It featured readings from the book by contributors and a performance by the group's choir of their new song and anthem, ‘Together We Shine’, which was composed and written by Jess Sloane and Anne O'Regan.
‘SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL’
Speaking about the book, the chairperson of NWS, Majella O'Keefe: "This book is a celebration of that journey which began just seven months ago as a simple idea has grown into something very special.
“It's a beautiful unique collection of memories and stories that deserves to be shared,” she added. “Within these pages are glimpses into the lives of our women: stories of past and present, of strength and resilience, of challenges and tears, but also of laughter, friendship, adventures and the many wonderful experiences we share.”
Moreover, another NWS member, Marianne Conboy, said: "The women's shed has become a very special part of my life, and I know that all our members feel the same; bringing our stories, poetry and art together in this book really captures who we are both individually and as a group of women with very diverse life experiences and is a huge achievement for us all.
NWS also thanked ‘Emer Cleary from Emu Ink Publishing, funders, sponsors and library staff for their support in bringing the project to life’.
'Our Shed, Our Stories' is priced at €20 and is available to purchase directly from members or from Barker and Jones in Naas, as well as from Naas Parish Centre.
NWS has asserted that all proceeds from the sales will go towards the continued activities of the Naas Women's Shed.