Athlone family’s special gathering to mark Peggy’s 99th birthday
By Rebekah O'Reilly
The family of Athlone native Peggy Stenson (née Kenny) last weekend celebrated her reaching the remarkable age of 99.
The celebrations saw friends and family gather at Peggy's current home in Maple Court, Clonbrusk, where the family held a garden party and a Mass to mark the occassion.
Peggy's nephew, Martin Devaney, said: “The event was a Kenny clan celebration to remember all of those family members who have passed, and to celebrate Peggy reaching the great age of 99.
“We also wanted to remember Peggy's sister, Kathleen Lynott Ryan, who passed away in January. Kathleen had celebrated her 100th birthday shortly before her passing, and had been living in the US.”
Originally from Magazine Road, Peggy is one of ten children born to parents Bridget and Tom Kenny. The family grew up in the area then known as Percy Cottages. Peggy and her brother Tom Kenny, affectionately called Toddy by family, are the last living siblings.
Peggy spent many years working for CIE in Athlone as an administrator, and was married to Eamonn Stenson, who passed away in October of 2013.
“Peggy always loved bridge, and would be well-known in the bridge clubs in Athlone. She also loved pitch and putt, and was very good to the church and the Franciscans. Peggy is just an amazing woman overall,” Martin added.
Saturday's Mass was concelebrated by Fr Pat Murphy of St Mary’s parish and Peggy’s fellow Magazine Road native, Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne.
“Bishop Browne made a huge effort to be there on the day,” Martin said. “Peggy would definitely remember Ray, who was born on Magazine Road and grew up there at the same time as Peggy.”
Another special guest on the day was Peggy's niece, Margaret Egan, daughter of her late sister Kathleen, who travelled from the US for the celebration.
“She was absolutely over the moon. It was the best day of her life I'd say, apart from her wedding day,” Martin said.
“She was delighted to be surrounded by her nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews on the day, as well as the rest of her friends and family.”
Peggy will mark her milestone 100th birthday in April of next year.