Athlone woman marks 108th birthday

An Athlone woman is now the second oldest person in the State after she celebrated her 108th birthday last weekend! The incredible longevity of Kathleen Murray - a native of Crannagh, Summerhill - was celebrated with a small gathering of relatives and some music at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Roscommon on Saturday last, November 6. Kathleen, who never married, had always been very fond of music and singing. Born in 1902, she grew up in a farming family and trained as a cook. She went on to work as a cook at McNeill’s undertakers in Athlone. She also worked at Naylor’s chemist in the town and then become a priest’s housekeeper - a position she held for many years until her retirement over 40 years ago. A lover of the outdoors, Kathleen enjoyed gardening and long walks in the countryside. She developed a wide circle of friends and enjoyed socialising with them on a regular basis. She also smoked 20 cigarettes a day until she moved from her home in Summerhill to the Sacred Heart Hospital in December 1998. Kathleen had four sisters and one brother, all now deceased, though she is still visited in Roscommon by her nieces. She is currently confined to her bed. A commemorative medal from President Mary McAleese has been awarded to Kathleen for each year which has passed since her 100th birthday. Julie Silke-Daly, Director of Nursing paid tribute to the staff at the Sacred Heart Hospital for their dedication to Kathleen and all of the other residents in Our Lady’s Ward.