Clara resident celebrates 102 years

Clara woman Annie Graham celebrated a very special birthday last Sunday, as she marked turning 102 years old in St Vincent's Hospital in Athlone. Patient Annie celebrated her 102nd birthday surrounded by approximately 100 family and friends as well as live musicians from her home town of Clara. Annie was born on February 18, 1910. Though a long term resident in St Vincent's Hospital and blind for the last few years grandson-in-law Barry Flynn said she's "in full fettle" still with everything working well apart from her eyesight. "She knows who's who and what's what," he said this week, adding that Annie listens to the radio every day "to keep up with what's going on in the world". The radio was off last Sunday afternoon however. Instead Annie was the focus of celebration at a party that went on for approximately two hours. Reported to have been in "great form" and to have really enjoyed her own birthday party, Annie was entertained by family including her children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren that made up an impressive crowd of about 100. One notable absense from the party was Annie's son Paddy Concannon, who unfortunately died last year. Another two of her children living in the UK couldn't make the party, but son Johnny and daughters Phil, Nuala and Marie were there with their mother on her special day. Though born in Ballinahown, Annie spent most of her life living in The Green in Clara with her late husband Jack. Musicians from the town Joe Rabbitte and Catch Berry were on hand last Sunday too, to bring live entertainment to the birthday celebrations. Mr Flynn said if ever asked the secret to long life Annie will say it's down to "hard work and clean living".