Longford woman Peggy Lennon celebrates her 100th birthday

This year is an auspicious one for Margaret (Peggy) Lennon of Curracreehan, Carrickedmond.

On Easter Saturday, 1924, amid the onset of spring rains and the busy planting season, Peggy Murphy was born into the bustling Murphy household.

That day, as the family planted the season's potatoes, Peggy emerged as the only daughter among four brothers in a home defined by hard work and productivity.

Under the meticulous care of her parents, the family's land thrived with crops and livestock, and from her mother, Jane Murphy, Peggy mastered the crafts of butter churning, jam making, and a range of home-cooked dishes.

Renowned for her striking looks and lush, wavy hair (which she proudly maintains) Peggy moved to Curracreehan in the adjacent parish of Carrickedmond after her marriage in 1960.

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Naturally nurturing, she devoted herself to caring for her grandmother in Corlea, her mother, her neighbour Johnny Lennon, and her husband Sonny Lennon during their times of illness.

True to the adage that “a Saturday’s child works hard for a living” Peggy exemplified this through her diligent milking of cows, baking of celebrated soda and currant breads, vegetable gardening, and jam making. Her dedication extended to all under her care, ensuring that neither person nor animal went hungry.

Now, Peggy shelters a stray black cat and even feeds the birds. She shares a birthday, just a week apart, with her daughter Jeanette, and she has two sons, Micheal and Mel.

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Peggy is also the first cousin of the late Louis J Belton, her mother being Jane Belton before her marriage to Michael Murphy.

Throughout her life, Peggy has witnessed a multitude of historic events, from the declaration of the Irish Republic in 1937, the challenges of World War II, and the assassination of President Kennedy, to the moon landing, the introduction of decimal currency, three different currencies, rural electrification, broadband, and the advent of mobile communications.

She even witnessed the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Ireland. Embracing modernity, she recently acquired a mobile phone.

An active community member, Peggy joined the first guild of Kenagh ICA in 1946 and later the Carrickedmond guild, where she excelled in quizzes and plays. She remains a member of the Kenagh guild and is a lifelong member of the Pioneers, and has never indulged in the habit of smoking.

This year, Easter Saturday marked not only March 30, but also Peggy’s 100th celebration of the occasion. Just last Friday, April 19, she celebrated her 100th birthday, an event graced by a personal congratulatory letter from President Michael D Higgins.
A recent illness saw her spending the day in Mullingar Hospital, in a room overflowed with cards and flowers from many well-wishers.

Her family, relatives, and friends connected with her through visits and phone calls, marking her milestone with joy.
Her first-ever video call with her younger brother Vincent, a spry 95-year-old residing in London, was a highlight.

Peggy is recovering well and eagerly anticipates returning home to care for her beloved stray cat once more.

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