Tipperary woman celebrates 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family

Tuesday, August 27, marked a very special day in the life of Catherine Maher of Dromard, as she reached her 100th birthday.

Catherine celebrated her 100th birthday in John Fitzpatrick’s on Sunday, August 25, surrounded by family and friends.

A further celebration took place in the family home in Dromard two days later to mark the milestone birthday.

The family would like to thank everyone who attended this very special occasion and gave birthday cards, mass bouquets, flowers, goodies and brought beautiful home-baking.

Born Catherine Kirwan in Killanigan, Castleiney in 1924, Catherine trained as a General and Midwifery nurse in Harfield in London during World War II, and later worked in Scotland.

She then returned to Ireland and continued her profession at Portlaoise and Cashel hospitals.

She married Dan Maher of Dromard in 1956 and has lived there ever since.

She ran the family farm with Dan until his death in 1985.

They had two children, Michael and Maura.

Michael married Noeleen Dunne and they have twin boys, Dan and Rory.

Her daughter Maura married Jim Fitzpatrick of Dareens and they have two sons, Donal and Joseph.

A person of great faith, Catherine attended mass in Clonmore every Sunday and is a great woman for the Rosary, saying it at least three three times a day as well as praying for everybody she knows.

A very independent lady she drove her car up to the age of 96 and was very sociable whilst able to do so, calling to see her many relatives, neighbours and friends on a regular basis.

Catherine had two sisters, Maureen and Ann, both deceased, who were both Sisters of Mercy nuns in England and Wales.

She loved to sit down and write them long letters which they greatly appreciated.

We wish Catherine plenty more health and happiness.