Island centenarian Paddy Faherty dies

LONG LIFE WELL LIVED The late Paddy Faherty is pictured on the occasion of his 100th birthday in March.

THERE was sadness on the island of Inishturk on Monday when the news broke of the death of Paddy Faherty, in his 101st year. Paddy died at his residence at the Harbour, Inishturk, where he had celebrated his 100th birthday just two months ago.
The well-known centenarian was born on the island on March 7, 1917 and is survived by his three daughters, Mary Ann O’Toole, Nora Mahon and Pauline O’Toole and his son Pete, 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and the island community of 57. His wife Mary Kate died in the early 1980s.
Long life runs in Paddy’s family. He was was one of six children, three boys and three girls. The three boys - Paddy, Peter and John - lived all their lives on Inishturk while the three girls all emigrated to Birmingham.
His sister Mary died last year aged 98, his sister Ann died only last month aged 96 while another sister, Delia, is 90 and living in Birmingham.
His grandfather lived to the hearty age of 106 while his great-grandfather is believed to have lived to the incredible age of 113, though it was that long ago, there is no documentary evidence of it.
Paddy’s removal will takes place on Tuesday at 6pm from his home to the island church. He will be laid to rest in the island cemetery on Wednesday following Mass at 12 noon. May he rest in peace.