Coolderry's Maureen's secret to reaching 100 is passion for hurling
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Coolderry native Maureen Hanley has said the secret to reaching 100 is her involvement in the GAA and hurling.
Born on October 6, 1924, Maureen came into the world just six days before Offaly GAA won their first All Ireland title, the Junior Hurling Championship.
The Hanley family continued to be deeply immersed in hurling throughout her life said Maureen's daughter Mary Hanley.
"Maureen was born into the GAA from day one. Her father was a former Dublin footballer who won 5 All Ireland football medals, and her nephew Joe was also an All-Ireland medal winner with Offaly."
In her younger days, Maureen went to school in Ballyeighan and, unlike many of her generation, continued her education in the vocational school in Birr until she was 16 years old.
Following this, she found work in Kavanagh’s ladies drapery shop in Connaught Street in Birr where she remained for the following thirteen years cycling in and out in all kinds of weather.
"Growing up it was a simple life but a very happy life. People then hadn’t much but made the most of it. People helped each other and shared with each other. We used to walk to Kilcolman Mass across the fields and cycled into Birr everyday to work," Maureen said.
Maureen had one great love in her life - her husband Joe - who she first met at a hurling match in late 40s and later at a dance in Oxmantown Hall.
The couple married in 1953 in Kilcolman Church, welcoming their only child Mary just a few short years later.
After getting married, Maureen dedicated her life to her family, choosing to become a housewife and to care for her daughter.
An avid Bingo player in years gone by, she helped to run the Bingo in Coolderry many years ago. She credits her long life to her keen interest in hurling matches, and Mass.
"She loves attending hurling matches, and the occasional football match, and attends Mass weekly and says her prayers everyday. She loves to attend Knock, and loves going shopping," said Mary.