Kathleen Kinahan surrounded by great-grandchildren at a family celebration for her 100th birthday.

Momentous day in Moate as Kathleen marks 100th birthday!

Moate woman Kathleen Kinahan celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday of last week, surrounded by three generations of family at her home on Church Street.

Born Kathleen Foxe in Moyvoughley July 29, 1921, during the War of Independence, Kathleen’s family ran the local village shop for 100 years from 1914 until 2014.

Her father emigrated to America in late years of the 19th century before returning to open the shop. Kathleen had one brother, Willie, who lived in the family home and ran the shop with his wife Ellen until he passed.

She married James Gregory Kinahan on April 30, 1947, and had 53 years of wonderful marriage, gaining children, grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren - the youngest being born only 11 months ago.

Kathleen moved to Church Street 70 years this week, shortly after her marriage, and has lived there ever since surrounded by friends and wonderful neighbours.

She received a beautifully written letter from the President, Michael D Higgins, along with the centenarian payment which she lodged on the morning of her birthday in Bank of Ireland Moate after attending Mass in St Patrick's Church, celebrated by her son, Father Gabriel Kinahan, OFM, of the Franciscan Friary in Athlone, with Monsignor Noonan.

Kathleen enjoys robust good health and was delighted to have her family around her to mark the momentous occasion.