Birthday joy – Kevin hits 100

GRIFFIN CELEBRATES HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

There was celebrations in Aras Mhuire Community Nursing Unit in Tuam recently as one of the residents turned 100.

Kevin Gri n a native of Ballymoe celebrated his 100th birthday in Aras Mhuire alongside Frances, his loving wife of 67 years, and five of his six children Gerry, Pauline, Roy, Dermot, Annette and Paul. Fr Pat Farragher celebrated mass in Kevin’s honour in the Day Room with some sta and family in attendance, all socially distanced. The ceremony was videoed so that it could be shared with the rest of the residents in the Unit later that day.

Kevin’s daughter Annette sang throughout mass with a special rendition of Kevin’s favourite song – “Daddy to treasure and honour your life I will dedicate this song which your beautiful Aunt Jenny taught to you in Laragh many years ago ‘My Little Grey Home in the West’."

As mass came to an end, Fr Pat asked Kevin to share his secret to a long life to which Kevin responded, ‘Hard work, not too much to eat and the odd whiskey – an odd one is no harm’.

Caroline Coen, Director of Nursing, Aras Mhuire, welcomed everyone to Kevin’s celebration mass.

“What an amazing man and a marvellous achievement to reach this remarkable age and to look so well after a tough life but Kevin would agree that hard work never did anyone any harm,” she said.

Caroline acknowledged that it has been a very di cult year with COVID-19 and unfortunately the planned celebrations had to be scaled back due to Public Health guidelines.

“Thankfully we have come out the right side and look forward to better days ahead now that the vaccinations are well on their way and the country and the nursing unit will feel safer.”

She thanked the wonderful sta who have cared for Kevin since he came to the unit as a very ill man on January 10th, 2020.

“The night sta who put up the decorations and the Gazebo; the admin sta and a special mention to Breege Dunne who put together the mass booklet at home due to the cyber attack on the HSE; to the catering sta who prepared a small party and cake,” said Caroline.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Kevin and Frances with sta from Aras Mhuire Community Nursing Unit; Kevin cutting the cake; Kevin and cake maker Imelda Carthy, Healthcare Assistant, Aras Mhuire Community Nursing Unit

Special guest Michael Fitzmaurice TD spoke highly of the guest of honour.

“You gave them your life for so many years and it is great to see them all here today celebrating with you. The tradition of loyalty and hard work has been passed on – the farm in Ballymoe is like a Teagasc farm either side of the road!! Credit to Kevin for the torch he has handed on to the rest of his family.”

Deputy Fitzmaurice read a letter from President Michael D. Higgins and presented Kevin with his cheque.

Surprise guests on the day were Kevin and Frances’ nine-month-old twin great grandchildren Evan and Mila, who they met together for the first time.