Carlow woman celebrates 100th birthday

HARD work and good, clean living are the secret to Margaret Esmonde’s long life and happiness after she reached a milestone birthday recently.

Margaret turned the ripe old age of 100 on Saturday 28 June, which she celebrated with her family and friends in Glendale Nursing Home, Tullow. Her nephew Seán Esmonde was really delighted to see her reach the magic number.

Margaret’s great-grandnephew cllr Ben Ward and Fr Jim O’Connell, PP, Ballon had the pleasure of presenting Margaret with a letter from President Michael D Higgins, along with a government cheque to mark her centenary year.

Margaret was originally from Athy and lived all of her married life in Ballymogue, near the Fighting Cocks, with her husband John and their son Barry. Margaret now has two grandchildren, Louise and John, whom she adores.

She worked hard on the farm alongside her husband and son and three years ago moved into Glendale, where the staff take great care of her.

The Esmonde family would like to wish Margaret the heartiest of congratulations and many more years of health and happiness.