Ireland’s oldest man, Martin McEvilly, is celebrating his 108th birthday tomorrow, marking another incredible milestone with his family.
Born on July 26, 1916, in Rosscahill, Co. Galway, Martin was the youngest of 11 siblings. While many of his brothers and sisters lived into their nineties, Martin is the only one who surpassed the century mark. As the youngest sibling, Martin was given the family farm, while many of his brothers and sisters emigrated from Ireland, some unfortunately, never to return to their homeland.
Martin’s guiding principle in life has been “everything in moderation” — enjoying life to the fullest but without overindulging. He never ate after 7pm, had only three medium glasses of Guinness on Sunday nights, and remained very active and fit throughout his whole life.
A devoted cyclist, Martin has lived without a car for 108 years. On one occasion, when he was 16 (and with a rickety old bike! ) Martin cycled with his older sister all the way from Rosscahill to Lanesborough, Co. Longford (over 240km round trip ) to visit a family member, returning home the next day. He rode his bike until he was 99 years of age and continued using an exercise bike until he was 105 years.
Hard work has been a constant theme throughout Martin’s life. Growing up in a large family, everyone had daily chores, including cutting ferns, collecting moss for animal bedding, drawing water, and bringing in turf. They also raised various animals and snared rabbits to sell at the local market. After their morning chores, Martin’s father often taught them History, Geography, and Maths.
Not afraid of hard work
Upon finishing school in 1931, Martin went on to work for the Land Commission, the Corrib Drainage Scheme, and subsequently Maddens Garden Centre. He also managed the 30-acre family farm, a task he absolutely loved. Despite the hard work, he found tremendous joy and satisfaction in working the land.
A normal day would start at the crack of dawn, feeding his animals, spending the day on the farm with his son Mickey. At lunchtime, a quick visit home where his beloved wife Kathleen would have the dinner on the table, and then Martin would head back out to the farm for the remainder of the day, which often included a cycle to the local shop to pick up some messages that Kathleen would have asked for earlier that morning.
Martin married Kathleen, on January 7, 1946. Over their 75 years of marriage, they had seven children (Margaret, Mary, Noranne, Christina, Mickey, Pat, John ). In many respects, they were polar opposites (Kathleen drinking endless cups of tea a day and loving a sweet or a cake! ) but despite their differences, they got on like a house on fire! Sadly, Kathleen passed away three years ago, at the great age of 97.
Martin was always an avid traveller, travelling all over Ireland as well as further afield to Australia and the United States when he was well into his eighties. He recalled once getting a return train from New York to Chicago, admiring the American countryside along the way.
Throughout his life, Martin’s passions have been faith, family, and politics. He was particularly interested in politics and when he was 95, he met local TD Pádraic McCormack at the Dáil Éireann, which was a massive highlight for Martin. He is eagerly anticipating his eighth silver medal and congratulatory letter from President Michael D Higgins.
For his upcoming milestone birthday, Martin’s family and friends will gather this weekend at his home in Rosscahill, where the local priest will say mass followed by family celebrations. Martin’s faith remains a cornerstone of his life; he has never missed an evening of reciting the rosary, a tradition that continues in the home to this day.
Martin McEvilly’s life has been rich and full, characterized by hard work, devotion to family, and unwavering faith. He still lives at home, primarily cared for by his daughter Noranne, along with his other children and a team of carers.
