‘I’m grateful he encouraged me to keep living life after he was gone’

A YEAR after losing the love of her life, Agnes Flynn (74), says her late husband, Kieran has given her the ultimate gift, a new lease of life.

The devoted couple were married for 52 years before Kieran sadly passed away almost a year ago. But before his death, the former Tara Mines worker had one final request for his beloved Agnes:

“Don’t be sitting at home , make sure you get out and keep yourself busy.”

And that’s exactly what she’s done.

Thanks to Kieran’s heartfelt encouragement, Agnes from Clondoogan, Summerhill joined Third Age, a vibrant organisation in Summerhill dedicated to supporting older people and she hasn’t looked back since.

“I go down on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and I find it great,” said Agnes .“You meet loads of people and there’s a social aspect. I used to work in the local post office and retired when I was 70, so I missed the chats with people coming and going.”

Now Agnes is spending her days line dancing, doing yoga, and has even taken the plunge, literally by learning how to swim!

“I never thought I’d be learning to swim at this age, but here I am,” she laughed. “Kieran would be proud.”

The couple raised two children and have five grandchildren. “I miss him greatly. He was a very good man and we had a very happy life together. But I’m grateful he encouraged me to keep living life after he was gone. It’s a different life now, but I make sure to make the best of it.”

Third Age has truly been a lifeline for Agnes and many others like her. As well as yoga and line dancing, the centre offers bingo, chair aerobics, knitting groups, a library, music and drama, audiology services, counselling, chiropody, reflexology, and even trips, tours and holidays! Membership is just €30 a year, and if you sign up on their Open Day next Wednesday 13th August, it’s half price!

“They do amazing work there, and I’d encourage anyone in a similar situation to join. You’ll find friends, laughter, and something to look forward to,” Agnes said.

Agnes Flynn may have lost her soulmate, but thanks to his loving words and the community at Third Age, she’s proving that life after loss can still be full of joy, friendship — and a little bit of line dancing too.