Moate woman, one of Ireland's oldest citizens, dies in her 107th year

Moate resident Teresa Greally, one of Ireland's oldest women, has passed away in her 107th year, just two days after she celebrated her 106th birthday on Tuesday of this week.

Teresa is being remembered as a kind and gentle lady who attributed her long life to healthy living.

Originally from Lackey, county Galway, Teresa spent her youth working for the O'Neill family in Taylor's Hill in Galway, before marrying her husband, William, in the '50s.

The couple welcomed their only child, Tom, in 1961, before moving to Toor Beg in Moate two years later, where they owned a farm.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent back in 2024 about William and Teresa's relationship, her daughter-in-law Mary Greally said: "They were close, they went everywhere together.

"They used to go into Moate on a Friday, they'd go to Flynn's Market to do their shopping, and they'd have a couple of drinks, and they'd head home again."

When Teresa's husband William passed away 29 years ago, her family initially didn't think she would be with them for much longer.

"We didn't think she'd keep going after Willy passed. She's a strong woman, and she proved us wrong," said Mary.

Speaking about the secret to Teresa's long life, Mary attributed it to her healthy lifestyle.

"She never smoked. She took the odd drink. They had a small farm up in Moate so she was always a hard worker. I suppose it was healthy living."

Mary and Tom suggested it could be Teresa's love of life, and her hobbies that had kept her going.

“She loves singing. She loves the Irish music, her favourite is 'The Galway Shawl'. She sang some of that on her birthday.

“She's a great woman for baking, everybody love her treacle bread, and her brown bread.”

Teresa passed away peacefully, at Mowlam Nursing Home, Moate, in her 107th year, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband Willie, brother Paddy Joe and sister Margaret.

She is sadly missed by her son Tommy, daughter-in-law Mary, grandchildren Shane (Olivia), Thomas and Michelle (Séan), great-grandchildren Damien, Sophie, Adam and Owen, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbour and friends.

Teresa will be reposing at Flynn’s Funeral Home Moate this evening (Friday) from 5pm. Removal at 6.45pm to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Drumraney arriving at 7.30pm for funeral prayers.

Her funeral Mass will take place tomorrow, Saturday, at 10.30am, with burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery.

May Teresa rest in peace.