'The years were kind' - Tributes paid as Ireland's oldest man and 'beloved' father dies

Tributes have poured in following news of the death of Ireland's oldest man - at the age of 108.

The oldest known living man in Ireland, Martin McEvilly from Rosscahill in Galway, died on Wednesday surrounded by his family.

Martin, who was born on 26 July 1916 - just five months after the Easter Rising, was the youngest of eleven siblings.

Longevity was in the family genes, as many of his siblings also lived in to their nineties. Martin was the only one to surpass the century mark.

Martin was predeceased by his wife Kathleen, who died in 2021, in the same year that the couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.

Locals and the many inspired by him remember an "honest gentleman" who lived a full life, not just in terms of his time lived, but in all he saw and experienced in the 108 years he thrived.

Earlier this year McEvilly told the Irish Mirror that his motto in life was "everything in moderation".

He never ate after 7pm, had only 3 glasses of Guinness on Sunday nights, and remained very active and fit throughout his whole life.

A devoted cyclist, Martin lived without a car for 108 years. He rode his bike until he was 99 years of age and continued using an exercise bike until he was 105 years.

During his working life Martin was employed by the Land Commission.

He was also involved in the Corrib Drainage Scheme and worked at a garden centre. He continued to live at his home in Rosscahill where he was supported by his adult children.

He was well enough to take part in a ‘sing song’ when his relatives gathered for his birthday during the summer.

Martin will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his sons and daughters Madge, Mary, Noranne, Michael, Christina, Pat and John, all his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Tributes online noted Martin's exceptional lifespan, with one condolence noting "what an incredible milestone to reach thanks to the wonderful care and attention provided by you and all the family".

"He was a lovely gentleman. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal, dílis," the tribute read.

Another described him as "an honest hard working man who lived a long and wonderful life," and many others paid respect to his children, with one saying "may he rest now peacefully with his dear Kathleen".

RMartin will be reposing at his Home in Rosscahill (H91T8YY) on Saturday, 12th October, from 4pm until 7pm.

The funeral mass will take place at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Killannin for Requiem Mass at 2 o’clock on Sunday, with a burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

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