IMAGINE being born before the 1916 Rising and single-handedly rearing seven kids. Imagine being just about to turn 100 and still living comfortably in your own home.
Well, Mary ‘Moll’ Nolan is doing all that and more. Mrs Nolan of the Fairgreen in Bagenalstown is about to celebrate her 100th birthday on 2 June.
Affectionately known as the ‘Queen of the Green’, Mrs Nolan is adored by all.
The remarkable Moll Nolan
This is evident by the fact that the Fairgreen residents, along with their friends on the Bagenalstown committee, are planning a birthday bash to rival all. From 6pm on 2 June, the Fairgreen in Bagenalstown will hold a street party like no other.
Paddy Kiely, chairman of the Fairgreen residents’ committee, said: “We all love Mrs Nolan and I, along with all the residents, felt this would be the best way to show how much we care about our Moll. Our secretary, the wonderful Chrissie Hawe, along with Carmel Kiely, Nuala Doyle and Carmel Byrne, have all been busy organising local shops, restaurants, takeaways and pubs to come on board, which they have without hesitation and are all getting involved offering contributions to this event.”
Paddy said it was a “real community effort”.
There will be a barbecue, finger food and face painting for kids by Amy and Caitlin Reddy. There will also be music from the very talented Dermot Shaughnessy & Co as well as a host of local talented musicians. Mary Curran from the Green has been busy designing and displaying posters for the event. And the residents have been decorating the street with some help from Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre crochet group, and Paddy Gardener and the Bagenalstown Improvement Group.
Organisers also expressed their gratitude to the generosity of local businesses in the run-up to the party.
