Louisburgh native celebrates 100th birthday in Tralee

Gaelie McManamin (née Morahan) from Main Street, Louisburgh celebrated her 100^th birthday in Tralee with her family and friends recently. Gaelie celebrated with her son, daughter-in law, grandchildren, great-grand children and great-great grand-daughter in Tralee which has been her home since 1977 when she returned to Ireland from Warrington with her husband Michael (Broddie) McManamin from Belclare.

Her family and friends were delighted to get together in the Meadowlands Park Hotel in Tralee to chat and sing and dine in celebration of Gaelie’s wonderful life. She was born in Louisburgh on June 21, 1924. Her siblings included two sisters Evangeline Smiddy and Clementine Lyons along with eight brothers: Sean, Oliver P, Jarlath, Basil, Fr Leo, Fr Al, Willie, and Justin, who lives in Dublin.

Approximately 60 guests were present to celebrate and hear Gaelie sing ‘Ave Maria’ and be part of a spontaneous standing ovation. A letter of congratulations from An Taoiseach Simon Harris was read to her by her son Leo who had travelled from West Yorkshire with his wife, Sue and family.

This was a celebration of a continuing life with 5 generations of the family present.

Pictured above at the celebrations in Tralee were, from left: Sue McManamin (daughter-in-law); Danielle Fletcher-Jones; Anthony McManamin (grandson); Sean McManamin (grandson); Lindsey McManamin; Michael McManamin (grandson); Joanne Neville; Sophie Caine (great granddaughter) holding Dottie Mae (great great granddaughter) and Harrison Reilly-Ellis. Front row, from left: Leo McManamin (son); Gaelie McManamin; Thomas and Samuel McManamin (great grandsons).