Noreen’s neighbours ensure she has a happy 90th birthday
NOREEN Talbot enjoyed a fine rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ in Bellevue Park in Bray on Sunday, April 5, the day of her 90th birthday.
A neighbour arranged the whole thing, Noreen said. ‘I was told to stand inside my porch at 12.30,’ said Noreen.
Her neighbours all came out of their houses and sang to Noreen. One had hung bunting on the house, and members of the gardai attended to wish Noreen their very best. They gathered cards from residents to pass on to the birthday girl.
She said it was a very windy day and laughed as she recalled the candles on the cake blowing out.
‘ They got in touch with the gardaí to see if they could have it and they said it was no problem,’ said Noreen.
She said that the only family member who could attend was her brother David Spurling who lives nearby.
‘I had a great time,’ said Noreen, who is in high spirits. ‘I came back here to Greystones in 1977 and I love all the people on the road,’ she said. She grew up in Greystones then moved on to live in Kilkenny then Bray before returning home. ‘Mum and dad were still here and I came home to mind them. It was the best thing I ever did.
‘I love where I am. I played tennis up here when this was Bradshaw’s fields.’
She said that the children she knew growing up on her road are now parents themselves, and she knows their children.
Noreen is mum to daughters Jennifer and Sandra and son Mark. She has five grown-up grandchildren. Her family members live in Bray, Blackrock and England. ‘ The blood nearly went out of my hand trying to hold the phone,’ said Noreen, who received plenty of calls on the big day from near and far. She was supposed to have a party on the Saturday night but unfortunately it couldn’t go ahead. She has great memories of her 80th birthday in the golf club, at which she raised over €8,000 for the National Council for the Blind in lieu of presents.
‘I don’t want or need anything,’ said Noreen. ‘I am very fortunate I must say and thankful for every day of my life. I love people and I love my garden.’
Noreen’s garden is famous in the area. She is no longer able to tend it herself but enjoys it nonetheless.
She urges people heed the government guidelines and stay home and save. ‘Some people are breaking the rules and this virus is very serious,’ said Noreen.