Family members travel from all over the country to help Liam Mullins celebrate his 100th birthday

HE’S as sharp as a tack and loves meeting people, especially his nieces and nephews and other visitors that might call into Hillview Nursing Home, Carlow.

Liam Mullins celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday, surrounded by members of his family, nursing home residents and staff. His nieces and nephews travelled from all over the country to mark the special occasion and to see their uncle Liam being presented with a special centenary medal from Carlow County Council.

“He’s fantastic! He’s in great health. His memory is unbelievable, very sharp. He remembered everyone who was at his party,” said his nephew Michael Mullins.

Liam was born and raised in Rossmore, Killeshin, the youngest of ten children of James and Elizabeth. He never married and lived in the homeplace with his brother Pat until 2006, when he went into St Fiacc’s Nursing Home, Graiguecullen, transferring to Hillview Nursing Home in 2014.

Some of the major landmarks of his early life include living through the Second World War, the great snow of 1947, going to Croke Park for the first time to see Laois play Tipperary in the hurling in 1949, and, in 1951, starting work for the Forestry Department where he stayed until his retirement. Throughout his entire life, he kept up his interest in GAA, having a particularly keen interest in hurling and horseracing. Liam also loves meeting people and really enjoyed marking his remarkable age with a wonderful party!

“We had a party with cake and refreshments for family and staff members. Liam knew everyone here – it was lovely,” said Ber Nolan, administrator of Hillview Nursing Home.