Lockdown celebrations as Vincent turns 101

A KILLYCLOGHER man who has just celebrated his 101st birthday attributes his amazing longevity to a lifetime of having everything in moderation.

Vincent O’Reilly, who lives in Richmond Park, was the proud recipient of a commemorative medal from Irish President, Michael D Higgins, to mark the momentous occasion.

Last year, all 31 members of Mr O’Reilly’s family had gathered together to celebrate his landmark 100th birthday. But, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, his party this year was on a much smaller scale.

He was joined in Killyclogher by daughters Geraldine, Mary and Marcella, as well as son-in-law Joe Jordan.

According to Geraldine, her father believed the secret to his good health was having everything in moderation.

She said, “Daddy is a very good-humoured and witty individual who is always positive. He always makes people smile when he is in their company, with his wit and humour. With daddy, the glass isn’t just half full, it’s three-quarters full!”

Born in the Derries near Killeshandra, Co Cavan in 1919, Vincent was one of a family of 13. Two of his brothers were famous Cavan footballers, seeing the county through to All Ireland glory in 1947, but Vincent decided to concentrate on farming instead.

Vincent married Margaret Taite, from outside Virginia, County Cavan in 1954. The couple planned to emigrate to Australia, but initially decided to move to Northern Ireland.

Vincent had purchased a farm at Tonagh, situated between Fintona and Trillick, and the couple liked it so much they ended up staying.

Margaret and Vincent had six children, Mary, Una, John Joe, twins Marcella and Geraldine, and Brian.

Vincent also has 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In 1984, they decided to sell their farm outside Fintona and to buy another farm and move to County Meath. Vincent was 65 at this stage, but he continued to farm until he was 80.

Upon his retirement, the couple moved back up North to Richmond Park. Here, they joined Killyclogher Senior Citizens Group and made lots of new friends, as well as reconnecting with lots of their more established friends in the area. Keeping active in his later years, Vincent walked three miles a day, visited the gym and drove up until he was 96.