Cousins celebrate double centenary in style

Cousins celebrate remarkable double centenary in great style


Michael Commins

TWO cousins celebrated their 100th birthdays in Knock at the weekend. Margaret Burke from Bruff, Aghamore hit the centenary milestone on Friday while May Niland from Dalton, Ballyfarna, Claremorris did likewise yesterday (Monday).
It was a truly remarkable occasion when May called in to visit her second cousin Margaret in the Queen of Peace Nursing Home. May, formerly Staunton from Kilcun, Knock, is in great health and attends the 9.30am Mass in Barnacarroll Church every Sunday morning.
Margaret was formerly Regan from Cuiltybo in the parish of Claremorris but less than three miles from Kiltimagh. The family is remarkable for life longevity with several members living into their 90s and two others topping the centenary in former years. Margaret’s husband, Peter Paul, died back in January.
She was joined by her family of three daughters, Margie, Noreen and Bernie and sons SeΡn and Paul for the celebrations in the Queen of Peace Nursing Home.
May Niland, who was predeceased some years ago by her husband Pat, was joined by her family of three sons, Padraig, Jimmy and SeΡn and daughters Mary (Burke) and Rene (Foody) and in-laws, grandchildren, neighbours and friends for special celebrations in Knock on Saturday.
Fr Eamonn Concannon, her former neighbour in Kilcun, celebrated Mass at the Gable Wall Chapel and later a big party was held in The Thatch pub in Knock. It was a lovely occasion for May who accepted the good wishes of so many in the community.
Margaret and May were also presented with the President’s Cheque and the letter from Michael D Higgins was read out during the Mass of Thanksgiving in Knock. The Mayo News joins with their many friends in congratulating May and Margaret on this most special of occasion in their life and wish them further good health and happiness.