Glasson centenarian feted at Heartlands Centre opening

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Glasson centenarian Pat Keegan was given a special mention at the official opening of the new Heartlands Care Centre, with Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran paying a warm tribute to his long-time friend.

Addressing those gathered for the official opening ceremony, Minister Moran acknowledged the presence of the recently turned 100-year-old.

"A good colleague of ours, Pat Keegan, is here who recently turned 100," he said.

"I know Pat since I started in politics all those years ago. We became very good friends. To see Pat still here, and in this wonderful setting, it's really something. I used to go in and visit Pat in the old St Vincent's Care Centre and to see him here now, it's special for him, and for all the staff and residents."

Pat celebrated his landmark 100th birthday in May. Born on May 6, 1926, to Patrick and Mary Keegan, he grew up alongside his three sisters, Ellen, Mary and Nancy.

During his working life, Pat was employed by Bord na Móna in Lanesborough, where he transported turf to Mullingar General Hospital to fuel its furnaces.

He later worked in the building trade before returning to the family farm, where he devoted himself to the farming life he always loved.

In 1955, he married local woman Nancy McCann from Killeenmore, and together they raised eight children, all of whom helped on the family farm.

Although Pat experienced great personal loss with the passing of his wife Nancy in 2012 and daughters Ann in 1985 and Helen in 2022, he continues to enjoy the support of his extended family.

Pat celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends at Heartlands Care Centre, Athlone, where he also received a letter of congratulations from President Michael D. Higgins and the State's Centenarian Bounty in recognition of reaching the remarkable milestone.