Limerick gentleman celebrates 90th birthday with family

GENTLEMAN JIM Ryan of Cush, Kilfinane, celebrated his 90th birthday in style, surrounded by family and many friends.

The well-known and popular man, as well as a keen historian, is hale and hearty.

He was born in 1933, at the foot of Sliabh Riadh, into a very different world of horses and traps, war rationing and living life by the light of the paraffin lamp.

No electricity meant cooking over the fire on the bastable - a flat-bottomed, cast iron pot used for baking - washing clothes by hand and walks to the well for fresh water on a daily basis. Such different challenges to those we face today.

Farming with no machinery whatsoever surely put the old adage “many hands make light work” to the test.

Neighbours relied on each other’s help and team work to save the hay, move cattle, milk cows and cut turf on the mountain.

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One of his proud daughters, Margo said Jim has educated all his children from time to time with articles on the Fair Day in Kilfinane among others.

“All those who know him are amazed at his recollections and enthralling stories of life back in the 1940s and 50s.

“Long may he continue to enjoy good health and entertain us with his recitations and inspire us with his wisdom,” said Margo.

Jim has also shared his incredible memory with Limerick Leader readers as he has penned articles featuring his wonderful insight.

In one piece he recalled a now almost forgotten visit by Eamon de Valera to see the Cush Earthworks, located near Kilfinane, in the middle of the 1940s.

Interestingly, the then taoiseach was in the company of General Mulcahy, the leader of Fine Gael at the time!

Best wishes to Jim on reaching this momentous milestone and for many, many more years in the future.