SHEILA MARKS 90TH IN STYLE
THE years just melted away for Lobinstown woman Sheila Rafferty as friends and family gathered to celebrate her 90th birtday last week.
Four generations of Raffertys filled her son Michael’s house in Rathbran to wish her all the best as she reaches this milestone year.
“It was great to see so many people in one place for such a happy occasion,” says daughter Ann Pentony, who organised the get-together with her brothers and sisters Sean, Michael, Patrick, Catherine, Malachy, Mary and young Sheila.
“She has 31 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, so as many as possible made it to wish her a happy birthday.”
Ann says her mother is a very young 90 and loved having her family around her for the evening.
“There was a very special moment, when a family friend had a recording of all of us as children wishing farewell to someone leaving for America,” explains Ann.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, and we all had lumps in our throats listening to each other, it really brought back memories.”
In fact, the family party was one of three Sheila celebrated and she is definitely ready for a rest!
“She also attends the Mornington Daycare Centre, which she loves, and they had a cake for her, as well as another meal in Donegan’s for the family,” explains Ann.
“She has a great circle of friends and they all want to wish her a happy birthday, but she says that’s enough until next year!”