South Galway woman Mary Quinn celebrated her 101st birthday in style at the weekend at the Little Flower Nursing Home in Labane, but is looking forward to another celebration with family and friends when the restrictions are lifted.
Mary was born Mary Quinn on May 23 1919 in Ballinlisheen, Tubber, Co Clare to John Quinn and Mary Kate McKague. Mary never saw her father as he passed away before she was born, leaving her an only child.
She attended Boston National School and Gort Secondary School. Mary worked from a young age on the family farm. Mary married her husband Joe O’Leary in Tubberchurch in 1948. They lived in Ballinlisheen until Joe passed away in July 1997.
Mary then moved to Gort town and later moved to the Little Flower Nursing Home, Labane, Ardrahan in 2011 where she has had a very fulfilled few years. She is an avid reader, and loves thrillers and romance.
She keeps herself informed by reading the daily paper and loves Hello magazine, and admits she has a huge interest in the Royal family.
She celebrated her birthday in the Little Flower Nursing Home last Saturday surrounded by the wonderful staff who take such great care of her and all the residents of the Little Flower.
She received a letter of congratulations from President Michael D. Higgins along with a commemorative medal, which Mary has expressed she would like to wear as a brooch.
She is looking forward to having another celebration with her family and friends in a few months’ time when the restrictions are lifted. Congratulations, Mary.
