Family celebration marks Catherine’s 103rd birthday
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Ballinasloe resident Catherine Conway celebrated her 103rd birthday last weekend, marking the remarkable milestone with a family gathering that included her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Born just outside Castlebar on July 19, 1923, Catherine’s birth was not officially registered until July 25, meaning the later date appears on official records.
However, her family say her true birthday falls on July 19, and they marked the occasion with a celebratory meal at Luker's in Shannonbridge on Sunday.
Catherine is the proud mother of three to Eamon, Bernadette, and their late brother Tony, grandmother to 10 grandchildren, and great-grandmother to 12 great-grandchildren.
Her son Eamon said family has always been at the heart of Catherine’s life.
“She just loves everybody. She loves her family, she loves her neighbours here in Ballinasloe, and she was never one to criticise anybody,” he said.
Catherine and her late husband Tom spent many years living in Leicester, where she ran a bed and breakfast before retiring to Ireland.
“Mum had a successful bed and breakfast in Leicester for a number of years,” said Eamon. “When they retired, they came back to Ireland because I was living in Ballinasloe, and that’s how they ended up here.”
Although she no longer gardens herself, Catherine still enjoys spending time outdoors, watching Eamon tend to the flowers and plants.
She remains remarkably healthy for her age and told the Westmeath Independent there is no secret to reaching 103.
“I have no secret for a long life,” Catherine said. “I just kept working and doing all my life. I don’t like to be idle or sit down. I always liked to be doing something.”
She fondly remembers baking and making cakes over the years, although she admits standing for long periods has become more difficult.
“On the whole, I don’t suffer from any aches or pains, which is a good thing really,” she said.
Looking back on her early years, Catherine remembers a childhood shaped by hard work on the family farm.
“When I was very young, I had to work hard,” she said. “We lived on a small farm and there was always work to do. Sometimes we’d be picking potatoes or working in the fields, and we’d also have to help with the turf.”
Later, she moved to England, where she met her husband, Tom. “He was a great man,” she said. “We had many, many years of a happy life together.”
One of Catherine’s greatest pleasures has been travelling with her son.
“I’ve a lot of lovely memories of holidays,” she said. “Eamon took me to lots of different places that I wouldn’t have gone to otherwise, so we saw a lot.”
The family recently enjoyed another special trip together, visiting Mayo, where Catherine celebrated with birthday cake, and even received an unexpected rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ from singing robots named Bella and Bertie at Nevin's Newfield Inn.
As for this year’s celebrations, Catherine spent time with the people who matter most.
“The grandchildren and great-grandchildren were all here,” she said. “It’s lovely to see them all. They were all taking pictures, so I suppose that’s how they’ll remember me.”
She received flowers, cakes, cards and gifts ahead of her birthday, including a heartfelt card written by Eamon.
“He wrote all nice things about me,” Catherine said, with a laugh. “I don’t know if I deserved them, but he wrote a lot of nice things.”
Despite slowing down in recent years, Catherine says she has enjoyed a full and happy life.
“I enjoyed my life while I was able to keep going,” she said. “I’m a bit slower now, but it’s good to be able to get about. I always enjoyed working and doing.”