Bealnamulla's Mary celebrates her milestone 100th birthday

Bealnamulla's Mary Bannon celebrated her milestone 100th birthday on Friday, January 2, surrounded by family, friends, and cherished memories of a life well lived.

Born in Four Roads, Co. Roscommon, Mary is the second eldest and last surviving of four siblings, children of Joe and Molly Killian.

“My mum is formerly from Cullawinna in Four Roads,” her daughter Edel Bannon Lyons explained. “She went to national school in Four Roads, and there are samples of her writing in the national archives. Her brothers and sisters were James, Kathy, and Paddy Killian.”

Mary worked in her father’s wool business managing the accounts and spent a brief period working in Dublin before returning home.

In 1953, she married George Bannon from Bealnamulla in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads.

Their wedding reception was held in the Warrick Hotel, Salthill, Galway, and the couple honeymooned in Howth and Dublin before settling in Bealnamulla.

Together, Mary and George raised eight children who have since spread across Ireland, England, and America.

“She is a wonderful mother who worked hard in her lifetime. I remember accompanying her delivering eggs to houses in Athlone town, we had a lot of hens,” Edel said.

In later years, Mary and her late husband enjoyed ballroom dancing at venues including the Crescent Ballroom, The Royal Hoey Hotel, Athlone GAA, and the Rugby Club in Athlone.

They also traveled for dancing weekends and were regulars at the All-Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone.

“My mother is a season ticket holder at the yearly All-Ireland Drama Festival held each year in Dean Crowe Theatre,” Edel said.

“She first attended in 1955, the very first year, and never missed a year or nightly performance until recently. I’ve kept up her season ticket and attend myself.”

Mary and George were also known for their love of social visits, often enjoying trips to Roscommon town. Mary's brother-in-law, the late PJ Bannon, ran the Festival Bar beside the Dean Crowe Theatre, where the couple mingled with actors and playwrights, including the celebrated John B. Keane.

Following George’s passing in November 2013, Mary continued to live independently before moving into Brideswell Nursing Home and later St. Vincent’s Care Centre, where she continues to receive excellent care.

Mary’s centenary was celebrated with a series of special events. The milestone birthday began with Mass at St. Vincent’s Care Centre, celebrated by Fr. Charlie Healy, with all of Mary’s family in attendance.

Staff members Audrey O’Brien, John Berry, and others hosted a party in the dining room, decorated with Mary’s favourite things, including a backdrop covered in precious photographs from her life. The celebration featured food prepared by St. Vincent’s chef Geraldine Collins, while music was provided by The Chics and Fergie Jameson.

Later, the family gathered for a celebratory meal in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel.

Family traveled from England and across Ireland to attend, while her two sons, Tom and John, were unable to travel but “were with us all in spirit celebrating,” Edel said.