Lowe and Behold... Nancy marks 100th birthday!

There was double cause for celebration at CareChoice Nursing Home in Trim last week as Ann 'Nancy' Lowe marked her 100th birthday.

Not only was Nancy celebrating her milestone birthday, but she and her husband, Finian (91), also share the same birthday – a remarkable coincidence that has added an extra layer of meaning to their almost 66 years of marriage.

The couple, who first met at a dance in Trim Town Hall in 1959, were joined by family, friends, fellow residents and staff to celebrate the special occasion. Nancy also received a congratulatory card from Taoiseach Micheál Martin to mark her 100th birthday.

The occasion was made even more special with a congratulatory card from Taoiseach Micheál Martin, joining the many well-wishers who marked Nancy's landmark birthday.

Looking back, Finian still remembers the night that changed both their lives.

“We met at a dance in Trim Town Hall in 1959,” he recalled.

“We were married the following September.”

The newlyweds honeymooned in Scotland before returning home to build a life together centred on family, music and dancing.

Born on 1st July 1926 at the old Maternity Hospital in Highfield House, Trim, Nancy spent almost her entire life in the area. She attended primary school in Longwood and remained connected to her local community throughout her life.

A talented performer from a young age, Nancy had a lifelong love of music and dancing. She was actively involved in amateur dramatics in Trim and taught Irish dancing to local children, passing on her love of Irish culture to generations of youngsters.

But it was ballroom dancing that became the couple's greatest shared passion.

“We started ballroom dancing together and we finished ballroom dancing together,” Finian said.

For decades they travelled to dance halls across the Midlands and beyond, enjoying nights out whenever they could. One of their last evenings on the dance floor was at the Annebrook Hotel in Mullingar.

“We were coming out of the Annebrook Hotel and heard on the radio that Covid had started,” Finian recalled.

“Nancy was 95 then.”

Like so many couples, the pandemic brought an end to their regular nights of dancing, but the memories remain among Finian's happiest.

The couple have one daughter, Elaine, who recently returned to Ireland after spending 34 years living in London with her husband, Paul. Having moved back to Ireland four years ago, she was among the family members who gathered to celebrate Nancy's milestone birthday.

The celebrations at CareChoice Nursing Home made for a memorable afternoon.

“It was absolutely brilliant,” Finian said.

“It was a lovely afternoon. She really enjoyed it.”

While reaching 100 years of age is a remarkable achievement, Finian believes Nancy's active lifestyle played an important part.

“Nancy always had a healthy life. She was never really sick.”

Now retired after a lifetime working as a self-employed carpenter, Finian continues to visit Nancy every day.

“I come in every day to see her,” he said.

Asked what the secret is to a marriage spanning almost 66 years, his answer is refreshingly simple.

“We just enjoyed doing simple things together. We went everywhere together.”

Although delighted to have celebrated Nancy's landmark birthday, he admits life has changed since she moved into residential care.

“I miss her,” he said quietly.

“I miss her getting up in the morning and saying goodnight every night.”

CareChoice Nursing Home is home to an extraordinary trio of centenarians. Alongside Nancy, fellow residents Ron Adams (101) and Mary Ivors (105) have all passed the 100-year milestone.