Former County Roscommon publican celebrates her 100th birthday

Glenamaddy native and former Cloonfad publican Mary (Molly) Keane (née Murray) celebrated her 100th birthday recently in Dungarvan.

Born in Knockmascahill, Glenamaddy, Mary married Michael Keane in 1950. Soon after that, the couple paid £700 to buy The Corner Bar in the village of Cloonfad. 

Mary and Michael had six children, three boys and three girls, the late PJ, Michael, Marion, Anne, Margaret Theresa, and Francis. They also had 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

In 2018, aged 94, Mary moved to Dungarvan to live with her daughter and son-in-law Marion and John McCarthy, and has been a resident of Carechoice, Dungarvan since 2023.

The family marked the occasion with a small celebration in Carechoice, after a larger celebration was cancelled due to a bereavement in the family. Marion and John joined the residents and staff of Carechoice, and neighbours from Silver Springs.

“It was an absolutely fantastic occasion,” John said. “The care home put a wonderful event on and actually Mary herself said it was more homely to have it in that environment. The residents around her were friends, and she really enjoyed it.” “The carers put on entertainment, and they had music, cake, and wine,” Marion said. “We had three balloons, saying]‘100’ outside the door as a welcome board. I was really happy about it and she was happy.” The family was joined by Councillor Damien Geoghegan, who attended the celebration and presented her with a letter from the President, to mark the occasion of her 100th birthday. Cllr. Geoghegan also read the letter out.

In addition to the celebration, Mary, who used to play radio bingo with Midwest Radio in Ballyhaunis, received bingo books from Midwest Radio for her 100th birthday. “She loves bingo,” Marion said.

According to John and Marion, Mary’s faith and her family have been the drivers behind her long life.

“She’s a great believer in Our Lady of Knock,” Marion said. “The children - all the grandchildren and great grandchildren, have really inspired her to keep going.” “[Mary] is very, very pleased to have lived to see all her great grandchildren. She's really pleased with that,” John added.

John and Marion would like to thank Cannon Ryan who visits Mary every first Friday. Thanks also go to all the priests at Saint Mary's Parish Church. Thanks also to Joanna O’Brien - manager at Carechoice, and all her staff for all their support.