Time to party as Mary marks 100th birthday
Mary O'Callaghan from Douglas who celebrated her 100th birthday on Sunday with daughters Ann and Mary and relatives with a party at The Silver Key. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
A Cork woman celebrated her 100th birthday on Sunday, surrounded by up to 30 of her close family members and friends.
Mary O’Callaghan, born Mary O’Driscoll on June 8, 1925, marked her centennial milestone last weekend with a party at The Silver Key in Ballinlough.
The celebration, attended by family and friends from all across Ireland, was a special gathering for the extended O’Callaghan family.
Speaking to , Ms O’Callaghan’s nephew, Liam Edwards, said that she was “over the moon” to spend time with her loved ones.
“We had a party on Sunday with her two daughters, Ann and Mary, all her nieces and nephews, and some other family members and friends,” said Mr Edwards.
“It was great, there was a very good atmosphere – everybody was happy – there were no family fights!
“She loved the party, she was over the moon – she was the centre of attention, she enjoyed every bit of it.
Having grown up at the fingerpost in Douglas, Mr Edwards recalled Ms O'Callaghan's life, detailing how, in the 60s and 70s, she ran her own hardware store, in what was her father’s forge.
“Her father, Bill, was a blacksmith, and he had a forge across from Columba's Hall where the 12 Tables restaurant is now,” said Mr Edwards.
Ms O’Callaghan additionally trained as a secretary in her early adult life, having worked in the DH Sherrard offices before marrying John O’Callaghan on September 10, 1953 at St Columba’s Church in Douglas.
Prior to working at DH Sherrard, Ms O’Callaghan also worked at Musgraves, Lunham’s Bacon Factory and Scott’s on MacCurtain Street.
“Mary was always glamorous – she liked dressing up,” said Mr Edwards.
“She still has the good looks that she had when she was in her 20s.
“She actually won a prize about 20 years ago for a crossword puzzle – so she's very bright, and quite witty still.”
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