Galway centenarian marks big birthday in style

A life packed with activity and travel that took her from her native Galway to Dublin, to Italy and Kenya – and then back home to retire – reached its centenary at the weekend when May Quinn celebrated her 100th birthday.

May was born on August 4 1916 in Newtownblake, Peterswell, Gort, to James Quinn and Kate Fitzgerald.

She is the last surviving sibling, having lost her two brothers, Fred and Bob, and her sister Kate, who she was delighted to spend a couple of special years with up to her death just three years ago.

May’s favourite memories of her childhood are fishing in the river that flowed through her farm in Peterswell, looking after the farm animals, bringing the dinner to her father and brothers in the bog, playing hurling and saving the hay.

As a young girl, May worked as a waitress in Moylan’s Commercial Hotel in Loughrea, then went to Dublin where she continued waitressing, working in a dry cleaners and voluntary social work.

She joined the Legion of Mary in Dublin and travelled with them throughout Ireland and on to England, Italy and Kenya, where she helped educate people in need, visiting many schools and villages.

She was always very active, she played camogie, loved running and cycled the twelve miles from Loughrea to Newtownblake every time she visited home.

New centenarian May Quinn is congratulated by 101 year old Margo O’Connell.

She would take the train from Westland Row to Attymon, then a small connecting train to Loughrea which was the old railway line.

On her return from Dublin, May moved to Laurences’ Fields in Loughrea, where she was known for her love of gardening, knitting and her cherished Yorkshire terrier Lucky. She was a common sight walking Lucky with his coat on.

She had a passion for colour and would never be seen in anything but colourful clothing. She was known for her kindness and compassion towards her elderly neighbours, often calling the emergency services when she noticed a neighbour was in trouble.

May joined her sister Kate in the Little Flower Nursing Home, Labane on September 2 2010 leaving her home in Laurences’ Fields, Loughrea.

Sadly, Kate passed away in March 2013 but May was very grateful for the time she spent with her younger sister. They both shared a passion for music with May watching her sister perform with the musicians playing the percussion instruments.

May continues to enjoy the music and celebrated with family, many friends and residents for the big occasion.

Local musicians Peter Gardiner, Nessa Flaherty and Pat O’ Neill provided the dance music.

May’s eye for fashion and colour was clearly evident with her choosing a multi-coloured summer dress and headgear for her party and in a poignant moment May was congratulated by her friend and fellow resident, 101-year-old Margo O’Connell.