Fr William Coleman congratulating Anne on her birthday.

Anne turns 100, 40 years after her mother did same

Mrs Anne Hogan (née Flynn) of Meedin, Tyrrellspass, celebrated her 100th birthday on Wednesday October 4, at her home in Meedin, and on Sunday October 8 at Bloomfield House Hotel, surrounded by family and friends.

What makes this an even more special celebration is the fact that 40 years ago her own mother, Mary Christina Flynn, celebrated her 100th birthday at her home on Christmas Eve. For a mother and daughter to achieve the milestone is remarkable.

Anne was surrounded in Bloomfield House Hotel by so many who love her, while being presented with the Centenarian Bounty and letter from President Michael D Higgins, by her Parish Priest Fr William Coleman.

Anne has lived a wonderful and fulfilling life, and has seen so many changes during her lifetime. She has always moved with the times, was not easily shocked or bewildered and adapted to changes as they arose, even to this day.

Anne is a native of Meedin, one of 11 children. Her only surviving sibling, Mrs Chris Geraghty, is now in her 99th year, currently living with her son Michael, in Rochfortbridge.

Caring has been a huge part of Anne’s life, from her early career in Dublin as a children’s nurse, to her many years working with Dr Sheehan and his family in Sandycove. She left Sandycove in the 1970s to care for her mother, who was by then in her 90s, and Anne played no small part in getting her to her 100th birthday.

By then, Westmeath had become her home again, and she went on in later years to care for several of her siblings.

It is fitting now that she is surrounded by the love and care that she so deserves, with great support from her many nieces and nephews. May she be granted further good health to enjoy all the good things that life brings her way.