A hundred happy years in Kilnaleck
Spirits were high in the depths of Kilnaleck last weekend as a popular lady celebrated her 100th birthday.
Perched in a chair in her living room Theresa Farmer, wore a wide smile as friends, family and neighbours congratulated her on a century of life.
“Ah now, sure it’s an awful gathering,” says Mrs Farmer, overwhelmed by the many guests who came to wish her a happy birthday. “I couldn’t believe there were so many.”
Dressed to the nines for the occasion in a royal blue frock and shiny black shoes, Mrs Farmer explained what contributed to her long and happy life.
“I was happily married and I got a good husband. I got good health and I wanted for nothing. So, I thought all that meant an awful lot to me.”
She offered further insights for the younger generations who sat listening to her interview with the Celt.
“The thing about it is, when you get good health and you’re happy, you’ll have a good life. Ups and downs always happen in married life. You have to put up with it, and you make up your mind for that.”
Her straight-talking comments were met by giggles from her friends and family as she continued: “There’s no point in getting married, not agreeing, not getting on and getting separated. What good is that? That’s my impression. They’re laughing at it, but it’s true!”
Speaking fondly about his mother, Phonsie Farmer told the story of her life.
“She loved home,” he said, explaining she had lived all 100 years of her life in Ardleny, Kilnaleck. Mrs Farmer, then Ms Leddy, stole the heart of Eugene Farmer from her older sister before marrying him at the age of 24 years, a story she delights in telling.
They then moved to their own house, only up the road from Mrs Farmer's home and had five children - Kathleen, Patsy, Phonsie, Patricia and Eugene.
“She had hard enough times,” continued Phonsie, explaining while she was rearing her children she was also “feeding the pigs and doing the cooking and washing".
He added: “Sure, there was no electricity in the early years and there wasn’t any washing machines or nothing.”
Throughout the years, Mrs Farmer became known for her skills in the kitchen, with her specialities being bread and boxty. Continuing his memories, Phonsie said: "When she’d go out, she was always well dressed in good clothes. In those times it was hard enough to get them.”
Mrs Farmer now spends her days surrounded by family and friends, watching her soaps on the television, listening to Leona Duffy on a Tuesday, and dressing in her usual high fashion. She is also proud to have received a framed letter from President Michael D. Higgins congratulating her on her 100th birthday.