Centenary celebrations as Waterford woman marks 100th birthday with family and friends

A Waterford woman has celebrated an incredible milestone, marking her 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends, fellow residents and staff at Dunabbey House in Dungarvan.

Mrs Hannah Hanrahan reached the remarkable age of 100 as January drew to a close, with a special party held at the HSE residential nursing unit to mark the occasion.

PHOTO - Celebrating her 100th birthday in Dunabbey House residential nursing unit in Dungarvan was Hannah Hanrahan (centre) with Director of Nursing at Dungarvan Community Hospital/Dunabbey House Paula French pictured left and Government Chief Whip Minister of State at the Dept. of Health Mary Butler TD. Credit: Nathan Burke photography

Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Health, Mary Butler TD, was among those present on the day, passing on a letter of congratulations and bounty cheque from the President of Ireland.

Hannah was born on January 24, 1926, in Glenane, Kilbrien, Co Waterford, one of seven children to farmers Michael and Ellen Power. Her one surviving sibling, Kitty, also attended the celebrations at Dunabbey House.

She attended Kilbrien National School and later the Presentation Convent in Ballingarry, Co Tipperary. After the death of both her parents when she was still in her late teens, Hannah returned to Kilbrien where her eldest brother David ran the family farm and helped care for his younger siblings.

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Hannah fondly recalls a busy and happy youth, enjoying dances, plays and time spent with family and friends. It was at one such dance at the Halfway House in Ballymacarbry that she met her future husband, John Hanrahan from Ballinamult.

The couple married in 1957, ran a farm in Doon, Ballinamult and raised four daughters - Josephine, Eileen, Treasa and Máiréad.

PHOTO - Celebrating her 100th birthday in Dunabbey House residential nursing unit in Dungarvan was Hannah Hanrahan, with her daughters Josephine, Eileen, Treasa and Máiréad. Credit: Nathan Burke photography

Alongside her work on the farm, Hannah was well known locally for her baking, took great pride in her garden and was an active member of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association.

She and John celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2017, with John sadly passing away the following year.

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In recent years, Hannah had been a resident at the Padre Pio Nursing Home in Cappoquin before transferring to Dunabbey House last year.

A woman of strong faith, she continues to look forward to weekly Mass, receiving Communion and taking part in the daily rosary with fellow residents.

PHOTO - Celebrating her 100th birthday in Dunabbey House residential nursing unit in Dungarvan, along with her grandchildren, was Hannah Hanrahan. Credit: Nathan Burke photography

In her letter to Hannah, President Catherine Connolly noted: “You have lived through remarkable times in the history of Ireland and the world. You have witnessed remarkable changes, in lifestyle and technological developments, unimaginable at the time of your birth in January 1926.”

Director of Nursing at Dungarvan Community Hospital and Dunabbey House, Paula French, said: “We are delighted to mark this day with the remarkable Hannah, her family, fellow residents and friends. We were also delighted that Minister Butler was present. On all of our behalf, we wish Hannah very happy birthday!”