Kinnegad man on TV show

An amateur handyman from Kinnegad is one of the participants on this week's episode of the new RTE One show The big DIY Challenge, which will be broadcast this evening.

Hosted by comedian PJ Gallagher, The Big DIY Challenge will follow DIY projects of all sizes that were undertaken around the country over ten days in April. The best project will win €10,000 while there are also prizes in the following categories: best small job; best up-cycling project; best interior project; best outdoor project and best DIY fail.

Kevin O'Shea from Kinnegad undertook the not inconsiderable task of building a swing surround complete with fire pit.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, admin worker Kevin said that he first developed an interest in DIY around ten years ago when a friend who is a carpenter gave him an hour long crash course in the basics of wood working.

Since then he has completed a number of projects including a picnic table and bench, coffee tables and bedside lockers.

His project for The Big DIY Challenge was his most ambitious challenge to date, especially given the fact that he had to complete it in ten days.

“The time constraint was the big thing. All of my other projects I could drift out and come back to them, but this one had to be finished in ten days, but I actually finished it in nine.”

Kevin and his fellow participants had to complete their chosen project during the 10-day building window from April 19 to April 28. They were also required to submit footage of their project build throughout the process as proof-of-build.

His swing surround is now situated at the side of his house and he says he is hoping to put it to good use over the summer months.

The Big DIY Challenge will be broadcast this evening, Tuesday July 9, 8.30pm.