Centenarian Celebrations... Happy 100th Birthday to Arthur in Mullagh and Joan in Slane

The community of Mullagh came out in force on Friday to help local resident, Arthur Saunders celebrate his his 100th birthday.

The sprightly former gymnast was delighted to see the many friends and neighbours who came to wish him a happy birthday, despite Covid-19 restrictions.

A cavalcade of well wishers met at the church in Mullagh for a drive by his home to wish him happy birthday.

Originally from Athlone, Arthur is a popular figure in his adopted home of Mullagh, where locals described him as "an amazing man and a great character."

Meanwhile, one of Slane’s oldest and best loved residents, Joan Kelly, celebrated a wonderful milestone last Thursday when she turned 100.

Originally from Dundalk, Joan Hurley was born in Holles Street Hospital on 19th November 1920. Sadly, her mother died not long afterwards and Joan was sent to Waterford as a young baby to be looked after by relations. At just seven years of age, she was sent to boarding school in Newry.

In 1942, she married John Kelly which brought her to Newrath, Slane, and here the couple reared their family of four children- Joan, Claire, Marie and John.

Eldest daughter Joan Breidenbach now lives in North Carolina and Joan enjoyed regular trips to visit her over the years. Her other three children still live in Co Meath with daughter Claire Greene in nearby Donore, Marie Mulligan in Castletown, while son John is still living in Newrath.

See the full story and more great photos in Tuesday's paper