PADDY CELEBRATES 101st BIRTHDAY
In the first in a new mini-series focussing on the 100-plus club in New Ross Community Hospital, Pat Kelly tells his story.
Born on June 29, 1919, in Ballinabearna, Ballywilliam, Pat lived through a world war and several health crises. Aged 99 he moved into New Ross Community Hospital where he is one of the family. Having celebrated his 101st birthday following the presentation of a President’s Medal for reaching the incredible age, he outlined his life story to Activities Coordinator Jean O’Leary, starting with trips to school on the pony and trap from rural Ballywilliam to Drummond in south Carlow.
Sitting in his armchair, his posture and body language suggest a man far younger than his years. With a smile he recalled attending school – which he loved. ‘We didn’t go in the bare feet much. Some might try for a few days.’
At the young age of 14 he had to give up his schooling when works duties meant he had to devote his time to the home farm.
Pat’s mother was only 54 when she died, his father going on to live until he was 80. Pat enjoyed working and found time to socialise, enjoying the occasional drink,
Having suffered a health setback in his sixties when he had to get a hip replaced, Pat continued working undeterred.
He said he doesn’t mind moving into the community hospital when he was 99 as circumstances meant he could no longer be cared for at home.
He had previously come for respite so the surroundings were familiar to him. ‘Everything is laid on for me at the hospital,’ he said, adding that he feels safe and has no worries there.
He recalled his playing days in Ballywilliam and trips to Croke Park over the years. ‘ They were wonderful times,’ Pat said.
The phone and television were the greatest inventions in his lifetime, Pat said, adding that among his favourite memories was cycling: ‘You’d get up on your bike and go.’
When asked if he would have liked to have gotten married, he said if he had it would have been a different life. As for his longevity, (he is the oldest in his family), he says he is baffled by it, before adding that he has an uncle and father who lived to be 80 and older.
He said a positive mindset is key. ‘Sometimes you worry,’ adding that he did find it difficult at times during the lockdown as family members couldn’t visit. ‘At times, you would feel lonely; other times you’d be down and out missing the company and the visits.’
Pat misses watching GAA matches and recalled with a laugh his playing days in Ballywilliam. His advice for young people is not to drink too much. ‘I drank some but in moderation.’
He said he has never seen anything like the Coronavirus. ‘You couldn’t imagine it.’
He said he hopes not to suffer too much over the coming months and to enjoy more special occasions.