Mary's drive for life as she celebrates 100th birthday
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Mary’s great grandnephew Luke Blake welcomes Mary Connell on her arrival to her 100th birthday party at Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells. ENDA CASEYImage 2 of 7
Mary Connell - stunning at 100 years, chats to Paula Madden. ENDA CASEYImage 3 of 7
Kathleen Hand and Mary Connell. ENDA CASEYImage 4 of 7
Ann Helmore, Mary Blake, Ian Helmore, Miriam Clinton, Terry Blake, Paula Madden with Mary with her great grandnephews, Luke and Joe Blake from Dublin. ENDA CASEYImage 5 of 7
Anne Baugh, Patricia and Gerry McNamee, Paddy Baugh, Mary Connell. ENDA CASEYImage 6 of 7
Mary Brady, Maureen Connell, Marie McEnroe. ENDA CASEYImage 7 of 7
Guest of honour at the Headfort Arms .... 100, the new 70 as is the case with Mary Connell who celebrated her 100th Birthday with family and friends at The Headfort Arms Hotel. On the occasion of her birthday, Mary left the car at home and took the lift provided by her family to ther big party. ENDA CASEYThere were celebraton in Kells on Sunday as Crossakiel woman Mary Connell was joined by family and neighbours to mark her 100th birthday at the Headfort Arms Hotel, Kells.
The centenarian - who still drives herself to Mass in her local parish of Ballinlough and Kilskyre - enjoyed the day immensely, even tough she wanted minimum of fuss for her big day.
Mary was born Mary Blake in Kilsonna, Granard, Co Longford, where she grew up and was educated in the Convent School in Granard. She then worked with her brother Luke, at his grocery shop on Pearse Street in Dublin.
She returned home and then worked in the local shop and public house in Carnaross. Mary married the late Jack Connell, settled in Crossakiel and has lived there for over 70 years. She is a keen gardener which she still peruses today and a big bingo fan which she plays weekly with her many friends.
Photos: Enda Casey.