‘From the Emergency to Covid, Sean has seen it all’
LIMERICK man Sean O’Connell celebrated his 100th year yesterday.
Mr O’Connell, from Maiden Street, Newcastle West, Co Limerick, and his wife Chris, celebrated the milestone birthday with his family who gathered outside his home to wish him well.
Mr O’Connell has spent his life working as both a sliotar and harness maker.
He is very close to his nieces and nephews, seven of whom celebrated his birthday with him yesterday – albeit from a safe distance.
His nephew, the TD Patrick O’Donovan, said the family had a party planned for his uncle but it could not go ahead due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
“We had a big party planned for him, but instead we decided to do something nice for him out on the street,” he said.
“He’s disappointed that we can’t have the party, but he knew we would be calling up. Obviously, we couldn’t go into the house or anything.”
Mr O’Donovan said the occasion was a huge celebration for the whole family.
“It’s a massive day for us as well, we’re very proud of him,” he told the Irish Independent.
“We’re gobsmacked that someone at that age can be as healthy as he is.”
Mr O’Connell has seen huge changes throughout his life.
Mr O’Donovan said his uncle was “probably the only person alive that has seen Limerick win four hurling All-Irelands, between 1936, ‘40, ‘73 and 2018”.
He added that he “has lived under every President and Taoiseach”.
“He was 25 when the
Second World War ended, 19 when it started. He was an adult in the middle of the Emergency, so there’s nothing he hasn’t seen. He was born pre-Independence.
“His development and his progression in life mirrors the progression of the State. “I think it’s just amazing. “He just has a very positive outlook in life, nothing is a problem.”
Mr O’Donovan added that his uncle had an “unbelievable memory,” and was “out and about all the time, driving the car”.
“Between the Emergency, food rationing and now up to Covid-19, he’s seen it all. He has an unbelievably positive outlook on life as well.”
He added that it was as important as ever for the family to show their appreciation for Mr O’Connell as he has been mourning his brother, who recently passed away. Due to the lockdown restrictions, the loss has hit him hard.
“His brother passed away recently, he was a Christian Brother in Nenagh,” said Mr O’Donovan.
“It was very difficult for my uncle obviously because the current restrictions meant he couldn’t attend the funeral, but apart from that he’s been OK and he’s kept busy.”