Rita celebrates her 100th birthday

Rita McManus is pictured with members of her family at her 100th birthday celebration in St Phelim's Nursing Home, Dromahair

placeholder image — Rita McManus is pictured with members of her family at her 100th birthday celebration in St Phelim's Nursing Home, Dromahair

She is currently a resident in St Phelim's Nursing Home, Dromahair

Margaret 'Rita' McManus celebrated her 100th birthday on June 19 last.

She is currently a resident in St Phelim's Nursing Home, Dromahair, where she had a very special birthday party and received her personalised letter from President Higgins, along with many cards, flowers and a cake.

Born on June 19, 1924, Margaret, affectionately known as Rita, is the eldest of four brothers and three sisters.

Rita is pictured blowing out the candles on her birthday cake

She trained as a nurse in England before emigrating to New York where she had a very successful nursing career. She returned to Ireland every year to visit her family and friends.

Later in her retirement years she moved back home to Blacklion. Always good humoured, kind and loving, she is very much loved by her family, friends and all the Nursing staff in St Phelim's Nursing Home, Dromahair.

Rita says she "might even make it to another 100 years"!