Limerick's oldest resident, 107, has seen 34 General Elections in her life

SR PATRICIA O’Neill was just one year-old during the historic General Election of December 14, 1918 from which came the roots of the modern Irish State.

This writer counts 34 General Elections that Limerick’s oldest resident has lived through during her remarkably long life. Sr Patricia celebrated her 107th birthday in Catherine McAuley House Nursing Home in Old Dominic Street, Limerick city.

Born in Rathangan, Co Kildare on November 11, 1917, she was the second eldest of four children, two boys and two girls. Both Patricia and her sister, whom she was very close to, became religious sisters. Her sister was a member of the Poor Clares religious order in Carlow.

Sr Patricia always had a great attitude towards life. She was noted for having a great sense of humour, enjoyed her life and loved to travel around Ireland. She was a wonderfully creative individual and was gifted in arts and crafts. Sr Patricia would use her talents to raise funds for the missions and to help the poor. 

She always took great interest in her family, loved music and loved to sing. Sr Patricia attributes her long life to a good diet and not taking life too seriously. 

She entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1951 and  also trained as a nurse, working voluntarily for many years.  She became a resident of Catherine McAuley House Nursing Home in 2009 and when her health allowed was the life and soul of the house. 

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Stephanie McMahon, director of nursing, said St Patricia’s 107th birthday was celebrated  in the nursing home where she was presented with another special commemorative coin from President Michael D Higgins, along with a congratulatory letter.

“Sr Patricia enjoyed a celebratory meal and a party with close relatives including her two grandnieces. Relatives played traditional Irish music for Sr Patricia and the other residents here in the nursing home.

"She was presented by the local leader Sr Therese Barry with a bouquet of flowers from her late sister’s religious order, the Poor Clares. It was a wonderful celebration,” said Ms McMahon.