Limerick lady who made the front page in 1998 celebrates milestone birthday in nursing home

A WOMAN who has been a resident in a nursing home in Newcastle West for more than 30 years was celebrated like a queen for her 80th birthday.

Mary McDermott from Crecora was born with Cerebral Palsy. 

The eldest of ten children, Mary used to be as independent as possible even as a child and her siblings would bring her to school in a make-shift wheelchair, almost like a modern go-cart. 

“Mrs O'Riordan took her under her wing at school,” Mary's sister Anne recalled about their time in the national school in Crecora.  

Anne said that Mary could always write, and loved sending cards - a habit, which won her the coveted place on the front page of the Limerick Leader in December 1998, but that now the staff write her notes and cards for her. 

“If anybody dies in Crecora, Mary sends a card - she is so well-liked in Crecora and still keeps in touch with a lot of families,” Anne said. 

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Anne said that Mary is sharp and intelligent with a keen head for details and dates and she loves to read and enjoys being outside. 

“She has a fantastic brain and she is a fantastic person. You can't argue with Mary - she is always right,” Anne laughs. 

“She knows all of the birthdays for our nieces and nephews and their children and if there's something I don't know, I'll always just ask Mary,” Anne said. 

When their parents were still alive, but getting older, Mary used to go to Rathfredagh for periods of respite. 

“She actually asked to go in there herself, which was nice. We would never have been able to give her the independence she has in there. 

“Mary went to Rathfredagh over 30 years ago and they became an extension to her family and it was like home,” Anne said fondly.

Anne said that the staff there are so lovely and accommodating and Mary just loves every minute there.

“Every time I go back there, you can feel the love from the staff and all along the years, the staff have been wonderful.

“Over the years, students would come to Rathfredagh on work experience from Spain, Italy or other places and they would get to meet these people from different countries,” Anne said. 

“What they do back there is fantastic,” Anne added. 

On Thursday last, Mary celebrated her 80th birthday with family members, friends and past residents all popping in to share their good wishes. 

All the stops were pulled out for Mary with a personalised cake, a balloon arch, a presentation of gifts and a lovely gathering of all those who hold Mary dear. 

Anne said that Mary loves to read, especially biographies, but that her rosary and prayers come first in life. 

She is also passionate about style and the staff helped her to buy her beautiful outfit online for her birthday. 

“Anytime I go down, there is a lovely avenue and I'll bring Mary down for a walk in her wheelchair and they have a huge fundraising fete every July, which is always well supported - it's lovely and it's a big day out for the residents, staff and for us, the families of the residents,” Anne said.