Get to know us
The People Behind Women’s Sheds of Ireland
Women’s Sheds of Ireland is led by a voluntary national Board made up of women who bring a diverse range of professional, community and lived experience to the organisation.
What brings us together is a shared belief in the value of Women’s Sheds and a commitment to building a strong, sustainable national organisation that represents and supports sheds across Ireland.
Our Board provides the governance, strategic direction and oversight of Women’s Sheds of Ireland, while working to ensure that the voices and experiences of Women’s Sheds remain central to the organisation’s development.
A National Organisation Built From the Ground Up
Women’s Sheds of Ireland has grown from a grassroots movement.
Across the country, Women’s Sheds have been established by women who saw a need in their communities — a need for connection, friendship, belonging, learning and a space where women could simply come together.
As that movement grew, it became increasingly clear that Women’s Sheds also needed something at national level: a collective voice.
Women’s Sheds of Ireland was established to help provide that voice.
We work on behalf of the wider Women’s Shed movement to build relationships with Government, statutory agencies, community organisations, researchers and other stakeholders, while creating stronger connections between sheds themselves.
Our aim is not to direct local sheds or determine how they should operate.
Local sheds know their women and their communities best.
Our role is to strengthen the national network around them.
Board members contribute their time and expertise voluntarily and bring experience from Women’s Sheds, community development, governance, health and wellbeing, education and advocacy.
Good Governance
As Women’s Sheds of Ireland develops as a national organisation, strong governance is a priority.
We are committed to operating with transparency, accountability and integrity and to developing the structures, policies and practices required of a sustainable national organisation.
Our Board works collectively to provide strategic oversight, ensure responsible use of resources and make decisions in the best interests of the organisation and the Women’s Shed movement it exists to serve.
As our organisation continues to develop, key governance information and organisational documents will be made available through our website.
Listening to your Sheds
A national organisation can only represent Women’s Sheds effectively if it listens to them.
That is why we are working to strengthen communication with sheds throughout Ireland and build a comprehensive national network.
We want to understand:
What is working well?
What challenges are sheds experiencing?
What supports are needed?
What opportunities could make a difference?
And, importantly, what do Women’s Sheds want their national organisation to advocate for?
This information helps us identify common issues, build evidence and ensure that when Women’s Sheds of Ireland engages with Government and other national stakeholders, the experiences of sheds on the ground are part of that conversation.
Growing Together
Women’s Sheds of Ireland is at an exciting stage in its development.
We are building the structures of a national organisation while staying true to the grassroots movement from which it grew.
There is much still to do — and we believe the strongest way to do it is together.
Local sheds. National connection. One collective voice.
Meet Our Board
Meet the women bringing their experience, expertise and passion together to help shape the future of Women’s Sheds across Ireland.
Our Board brings together women from different communities, professional backgrounds and lived experiences, united by a shared belief in the power of Women’s Sheds to create connection, friendship, belonging and opportunity.
From community development, governance and finance to mental health, inclusion, advocacy, human resources and grassroots leadership, each Board member brings a valuable perspective to our work. Together, their role is to provide strong governance and strategic direction while ensuring that the experiences and needs of Women’s Sheds remain at the heart of Women’s Sheds of Ireland.
We are proud to introduce the women helping to guide this next chapter of the Women’s Shed movement in Ireland.
Angela Byrne- Wexford
Board Member
Angela is a retired, community-focused individual based in Wexford, with a strong commitment to supporting women’s wellbeing, social connection and community participation, particularly in rural areas.
Angela is an active and dedicated member of Tomhaggard Women’s Shed, recognised as the first Women’s Shed established in Ireland. Through her involvement, she has seen first-hand how the Women’s Shed movement has grown from its early beginnings and the important role grassroots groups can play in reducing isolation, building confidence and creating friendship, creativity and a genuine sense of belonging among women.
Angela’s passion for the movement was particularly evident when she spoke at the national launch of Women’s Sheds of Ireland in Tullamore, where she shared a wonderfully positive perspective on the value of Women’s Sheds and the difference they can make in women’s lives and communities.
She brings a collaborative, practical and positive approach to the Board, together with strong organisational skills, creativity and valuable experience of community involvement. Angela is particularly passionate about ensuring that Women’s Sheds remain inclusive and welcoming spaces where women feel empowered to participate, contribute and develop new skills.
Having been part of a Shed with such an important place in the history of the movement, Angela is keen to help strengthen connections between Women’s Sheds across the country and ensure that the value of these vital community spaces, particularly within rural Ireland, continues to be recognised and supported.
Joanne Begley- Clare
Interim Chairperson
Joanne Begley is a passionate community leader, educator, and entrepreneur based in Shannon, Co. Clare. She is the founder of Mná Le Chéile Women’s Shed in Shannon and currently serves as Interim Chair of Women’s Sheds of Ireland, where she is leading the development of a national structure to support, connect, and strengthen Women’s Sheds across the country.
With a strong background in community development and governance, Joanne is Secretary of Shannon Community Partnership, Shannon Athletic Club and sits on the board of the Family Resource Centre, and is actively involved in a number of local and national initiatives focused on inclusion, wellbeing, and community participation.
Professionally, Joanne works as a tutor and assessor in social care, supporting students across a range of modules including community inclusion, communications, and legal and policy frameworks. while also being a Decision Making Representative for Decision Support Services. She brings a deep understanding of person-centred practice, advocacy, and the importance of building supportive, inclusive environments. She is also involved in advocacy and awareness with the Irish Hospice Foundation and Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Joanne is deeply committed to the growth of Women’s Sheds in Ireland and believes strongly in their role in reducing isolation, building confidence, and creating supportive spaces for women in communities nationwide.
Lorraine McTeigue- Cavan
Interim Vice Chairperson
Lorraine is a Community Development Officer based in County Cavan. She has a particular interest in issues that affect women and initiatives that strive to reduce social isolation and promote wellbeing, which prompted her to join the Women's Sheds of Ireland.
Lorraine is a member of Cavan Women’s Shed and has seen first-hand the impact Women's Sheds are having on the quality of life for women, particularly in rural counties like Cavan.
Through her professional experience, Lorraine brings extensive knowledge of community development, governance, funding streams and budget allocation. She brings this experience to the Board with a strong understanding of the structures and supports needed to help community organisations develop and thrive.
Laura Costello- Wicklow
Interim Treasurer
Laura is a retired Bank Manager with extensive experience in finance, leadership and organisational responsibility. Over the years, she has also been involved in a number of committees and leadership roles, including serving as Chair of the KBC Green Team and President of Bray Toastmasters.
She is currently Secretary of North Wicklow Women’s Shed. After retirement, Laura was keen to become more involved in her local community and joined the Shed as it was getting established. She often says that she has gained far more from being part of the Women’s Shed than she ever expected, particularly through the friendships, connection and sense of community it has brought.
With her strong financial background, Laura brings valuable knowledge and experience to the Board of Women’s Sheds of Ireland, particularly in areas such as financial oversight, budgeting and helping to ensure the organisation develops on a sound and sustainable footing.
Laura is thoroughly enjoying being part of the national Board and is embracing the opportunity to learn more about governance, board responsibilities and what is involved in helping shape and support a growing national organisation. She is excited to contribute her experience while continuing to learn alongside the other Board members as Women’s Sheds of Ireland moves forward.
Noreen Kane- Wexford
Interim Secretary
Noreen Kane is actively involved in Women’s Sheds in Co. Wexford, where she has supported communication and promotion within her local shed. Having lived in different parts of Ireland and the UK, she understands what it is like to be new to an area and how important it is to feel part of a community.
Since moving to Co. Wexford five years ago, Noreen has experienced first-hand the positive impact of Women’s Sheds in helping women connect, build friendships and develop a sense of belonging within their local communities. She is passionate about the role Women’s Sheds play in bringing women together, reducing isolation and supporting wellbeing.
As Secretary to the Board of Women’s Sheds of Ireland, Noreen brings a highly organised and methodical approach to her role, helping to support clear communication, accurate record-keeping and the effective administration of the Board. She is embracing the opportunity to develop her knowledge of governance and national board responsibilities and continues to learn and grow in the role as the organisation develops.
Noreen is delighted to contribute at a national level and to play her part in supporting the continued growth of Women’s Sheds across Ireland.
Terry Broderick- Sligo
Board Member
Terry Broderick brings extensive experience in leadership, human resources, organisational development and strategic operations to the Board of Women’s Sheds of Ireland, following a successful career in the private sector before her retirement in 2021.
Most recently, Terry served as Human Resources Operations Leader with GE Power Conversion, a business unit within the legacy General Electric company. Working within a complex and diverse global organisation, she managed significant HR processes and worked as a strategic partner to strengthen operational efficiency, data integrity and compliance. This experience gives Terry a strong understanding of the structures, processes and good governance required to build sustainable organisations, expertise she is passionate about bringing to the strategic development and long-term sustainability of Women’s Sheds of Ireland.
Having lived in the United States for 25 years, Terry’s commitment to community involvement extends well beyond her professional career. While there, she became a certified volunteer Crisis Counsellor supporting victims of sexual abuse, an experience that gave her a deep appreciation of the importance of safe, supportive community networks and the difference they can make in people’s lives.
Following her return to Ireland, this belief in the power of community inspired Terry to establish Ballisodare Women’s Shed in 2023. Through that experience, she has seen first-hand the connection, friendship and sense of belonging that Women’s Sheds can create.
Terry is deeply committed to the Women’s Shed movement and sees the development of a strong national organisation as an important next step in strengthening, supporting and sustaining Women’s Sheds throughout Ireland. She brings to the Board a valuable combination of corporate expertise, strategic thinking, community experience and a genuine passion for the movement.
Terry holds an MA in Adult Education and a Postgraduate Certificate in Developing Human Resources Leadership from the University of South Florida. When she is not involved in Women’s Shed activities, she enjoys playing pickleball.
Paula Cullen- Meath
Board member
Paula Cullen is a qualified Integrative Psychotherapist and Project Officer with Mental Health Ireland, bringing valuable professional expertise in mental health, wellbeing, inclusion and the impact of social isolation to the Board of Women’s Sheds of Ireland.
Alongside her role with Mental Health Ireland, Paula runs a successful private psychotherapy practice in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, supporting individuals with their mental health and emotional wellbeing. Through both her professional and community work, she has developed a strong understanding of the importance of connection, belonging and inclusive community-based supports in protecting wellbeing and reducing isolation.
Paula is also the creator and facilitator of The Sanctuary Circle, a monthly women’s circle providing a safe and supportive environment for connection, reflection and personal growth. She is Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Ashbourne Women’s Shed, where she is committed to building an inclusive and welcoming community in which women can develop friendships, share experiences and feel supported.
Paula brings an important mental health and wellbeing perspective to the national Board, particularly around the impact that loneliness, isolation and lack of social connection can have on women at different stages of their lives. She is passionate about the preventative and protective role that strong community networks such as Women’s Sheds can play in creating opportunities for connection, participation and a genuine sense of belonging.
Her involvement with Women’s Sheds of Ireland is driven by a strong belief that every woman should have access to spaces where she feels welcomed, included, heard and valued. Paula is committed to helping strengthen the Women’s Shed movement nationally and ensuring that wellbeing, inclusion and meaningful connection remain at the heart of its development.
Jane Mulvihill- Waterford
Board Member
Jane Mulvihill is Chairperson of The Three Sisters Women’s Shed in Waterford, a volunteer-led textile arts organisation that creates a welcoming and inclusive space for women from diverse and migrant backgrounds, using the shared languages of sewing, knitting and craft to foster connection, creativity and belonging.
With a strong background in multicultural community development, Jane brings valuable expertise in intercultural programming, community organising, advocacy, diversity and inclusion. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to social justice and to creating communities where people from different cultures, backgrounds and life experiences have meaningful opportunities to participate, connect and have their voices heard.
Through her involvement with The Three Sisters Women’s Shed, Jane has witnessed first-hand the transformative impact that can occur when women are given a welcoming space to come together. What may begin with women sitting alongside one another, stitching, sharing and learning can develop into friendships, confidence, mutual support and a genuine sense of belonging.
Jane brings an important diversity and inclusion perspective to the Board of Women’s Sheds of Ireland. Her experience will help support the development of a national movement that recognises the diversity of women and communities across Ireland and works to ensure that Women’s Sheds are inclusive, accessible and welcoming to women from all backgrounds.
She is passionate about the potential of grassroots community spaces to break down barriers, reduce isolation and bring women together across cultural and social differences. Jane is honoured to contribute her experience and expertise to Women’s Sheds of Ireland and to help shape an organisation in which diversity, inclusion and belonging are embedded in how the movement grows nationally.
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