Artistic Catherine celebrates 100 years
100-year-old Catherine Leahy is presented with a medal to mark her milestone birthday by cathaoirleach Tommy Kinsella and cllr Michael Doran of Bagenalstown Municipal District. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
SHE’s an artist and a writer, a much-loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and what’s more, she’s been here for 100 years!
Catherine Leahy, originally from Kildrenagh, Bagenalstown, celebrated her birthday in style on 21 May, when she was presented with a centenarian medal by cathaoirleach cllr Tommy Kinsella and cllr Michael Doran of Bagenalstown Municipal District, thanks to Carlow County Council. The family threw a party for her in Carlow town to mark the occasion, when a great time was had by all.
Catherine is very creative and has had her short stories and poetry published, while one of her poems was recited by the great Gay Byrne himself on his radio show!
Her home and her children’s homes are adorned with her oil paintings depicting the beautiful landscapes of Co Carlow.
Catherine, née Walsh, is at the heart of her family and has eight children, 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
She was reared in Kildrenagh, Bagenalstown together with her brothers Jim, Phil and her twin Joe and sisters Statia, Maureen and Brid.
Educated locally at primary level in Newtown, Bagenalstown and then in Dominick Street, Dublin, Catherine then worked in Clerys, Bagenalstown. She emigrated to London, where she met Eamonn Leahy and they got married there in 1957.
They went on to have eight children – Deirdre and Angela were born in England, Patrick and Bernie were born in Wales and Nora, Carmel, Eamonn and Eithne were born in Dublin. The couple returned to Ireland in 1963 and remained in Dublin until 1996, when they retired to Carlow town.
“Mam has a brilliant sense of humour, a ready smile, can quote Yeats poetry at will, among other of her favourite poets, and is great to be around,” said her daughter Deirdre.
Catherine was the latest person to be inducted into Carlow’s very exclusive club of centenarians. If you know of any Carlow natives that are approaching their 100th birthday, then please get in touch with Carlow Library Service on by email at library@carlowcoco.ie or by telephone on 059 912 9705. The council would love to mark their outstanding milestone.
