Back in the headlines: Jimmy Dan turns 100

Jimmy Sheridan was a connoisseur of high fashion back in the 1950s and, as a result, earned himself a nice new motor car at a time when such a vehicle was a rarity in rural Ireland. The Moynalty man correctly picked the winners of a style parade in a Sunday newspaper in 1958, and as a result, became proud owner of an Austin A35. 'Jimmy Dan', as he is popularly known locally, was quite the celebrity around north Meath then, and once again last week when he celebrated his 100th birthday. He was a nifty man in his youth, winning a competition for Irish dancing and an able performer of the hornpipe, and was regarded as a good catch when Joan Duffy from Carnaross married him. Jimmy was a farm steward on De Stacpoole's farm at Walterstown, Moynalty, close to where he was born, and he and his wife Joan now live at Donore, between Moynalty and Kells. Friends and neighbours dropped in over the course of last week to mark his 100th birthday on Saturday 20th August, where they had a chat and reminisced about bygone days. Joining in the celebrations were Joan, daughters Mary and Breda Tully, son Donal and Jimmy's six grandchildren, as well as extended family and relatives. Meanwhile, Ballivor man Tony Rooney was the subject of a visit from the Jubilee Hurling Cup, currently in the hands of Kildalkey Hurling Club, to mark his 100th birthday. Local clergy Fr Oliver Devine and Fr Colm Murtagh, relatives, friends, neighbours and staff at Roselodge Nursing Home gathered to mark the landmark birthday at the Killucan nursing home where he is resident. Everyone enjoyed the memorable occasion and admired Tony's wellbeing as he reminisced about good old days on his farm in Carnisle. Tony played hurling with Kildalkey in 1934, and still enjoys looking at hurling on television. He also loved to cycle.