Congratulations: Longford man celebrates centenary milestone with St Patrick's Day party

John Pat McNaboe of Rossduff, Aughnacliffe, Co Longford celebrated his one hundredth birthday on St Patrick’s day at his new residence in Westmeath with family, friends, music provided by a ceili band and dancing involving the man himself.

The many cards and presents on display were a clear testament to the great affection and deep respect felt for John Pat in his local area where he is seen as a pillar of the community. 

Also read: Congratulations: Longford woman celebrates special milestone birthday with her family

Born in 1926 on a small farm in Rossduff, where he was to live for the next 95 years, John Pat was a hard working countryman all his life, starting off labouring on a local farm for two shillings a week, then inheriting his parents’ land and making a living from his livestock, though without any of the technology taken for granted today. 

The farm, indeed, became a hub of local life as his brother Michael was a shoemaker and people were always dropping in for a chat. A man of simple tastes, wit and wisdom, he is the last surviving member of a family of nine children, but has lost none of his deep faith, humour or strength of character. Happy 100th John Pat!

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