Betty, Limerick's oldest person, passes away aged 107

LIMERICK’S oldest person, the redoubtable Betty McElholm died in the early hours of this Tuesday morning at the incredible age of 107.

The Kilmallock woman is understood to have been the sixth oldest person in Ireland. Remarkably, she lived at home in Kilmallock with the assistance of family members until quite recently before being cared for in nearby Maria Goretti Nursing Home.

Betty was born on March 18, 1917. Former local councillor, Mike Donegan said Betty was the “heart and soul of Kilmallock”.

“I got a text this morning with the sad news. Everybody knew and loved Betty. She has been a constant in all our lives. I can remember as a child going into her shop,” said Mike.

The shop in the town was burned to the ground by the Black and Tans in July 1920 when Betty was three-years-old.

“She could remember the fire - she had an incredible memory. She had a vast knowledge of the history of Kilmallock and many people called to her to ask for her wisdom and chat to her. John Kiely, for example, visited her. She was an inspiration to community groups and so many,” said Mike.

Betty was renowned for not wanting a fuss on her birthday each year as she passed the 100 mark. She was a very down to earth lady.

“I met her coming out of Mass, I think it was a week before her 100th birthday. I asked her if she was looking forward to her 100th birthday party. Quick as a flash and with a smile, she replied, ‘I’d like to stay in bed all day’,” said Mike with a smile.

Local priest Fr Chris O’Donnell said Betty is a big loss as she has been part and parcel of life in Kilmallock for so long. 

“She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed as she was full of warmth and wit and kindness, God rest her,” said Fr Chris.

Limerick Live spoke to her proud nephew John Murphy, from Bruree, ahead of her 107th birthday this year. Betty’s health was beginning to fail but her mind was as sharp as ever.

She could vividly remember the 1933 All-Ireland final that she was at in Croke Park when she was sweet 16.

“It was between Limerick and Kilkenny. Limerick were winning until the very end when Kilkenny got a late goal. It was a player by the name of Johnny Dunne and she will tell you she cried at the end,” said John.

There have been plenty tears of joy watching the county’s hurlers since Betty turned 100 and John Kiely even brought Liam MacCarthy twice to her home.

READ MORE: WATCH: John Kiely brings special present to Limerick woman on her 106th birthday

Betty put her great age down to never having drank or smoked. Her only vice was sweets and, in particular, Scots Clan.

As John Murphy reflected on his aunt’s incredible life in March, he said that Betty lived under British and Irish Rule, through two World Wars and countless national and global events we learned about in history class.

A chapter in the history of Kilmallock has now been closed with the passing of Betty, now reunited with husband Sam.

No funeral arrangements have been announced to date.

May she rest in peace.