Ita (90) relishing 'health, happiness and good people'
Mucklagh's Ita O'Kelly attributes her long life to “health, happiness and being surrounded by good people.” She recently celebrated her 90th birthday in the company of her extended family at her home in Bunatern, where she was the centre of attention.
Ita was one of eight children, including Fionan, Aidan, Declan, Breda, Crea, Mella and Dolores born to the late Sean and Julia O'Kelly, and she attended primary school in Mucklagh before going on to Killina Secondary School. She has the distinction of being one of the first students to graduate from the new secondary school which was only in its infancy.
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Ita O’Kelly with her family when they all got together recently to celebrate Ita’s 90 birthday Pictured from left to right: Delores O’Reilly, Ian O’Kelly, Declan O’Kelly, Mary O’Kelly, Ita O’Kelly and Siobhan O’Kelly. Photo: Ger RogersImage 2 of 3
There was a large family gathering in Bunaterin last weekend to celebrate local woman Ita O’Kelly’s 90 birthday. Photo: Ger RogersImage 3 of 3
Brian, Caoimhe, Patsy and Tara Condron attended Ita O’Kelly’s 90th birthday celebrations in Bunaterin. photos: ger Rogers. Ger Rogers PhotographyArmed with a sense of adventure, the young Mucklagh woman emigrated to America in 1955 and spent many happy years working for Pan Am airlines and later with Delta Airlines. She quickly inmersed herself in all aspects of life in her new home, and was heavily involved in the Irish American community where she made many lifelong friends. Ita's brother, Aidan, also emigrated to America which made the huge move easier for both of them.
After her retirement in 2002, Ita O'Kelly made the decision to return to her homeplace in Bunatern to be among her family in her retirement years. Since her return home she has been very involved with local community groups such as the ICA, Age Friendly and the Older Persons Network, among others.