Julia celebrates 106th birthday in style in Killarney
WHILE last Friday’s birthday party for 106 year old Millstreet woman, Julia Murphy, was a joyous celebration, it was not without a tinge of sadness as this was the first time her son, Donie, wasn’t at the celebration.
Due to the restrictions introduced to curtail the spread of the Corona Virus, Donie, 70, was unable to be with his mother who’s currently recuperating in Killarney Nursing Home as her carers there helped her celebrate the milestone with a beautiful cake and decorations.
Julia, who’s lived in her parents house at Gortavehy near Millstreet all her life, had a fall at Christmas which led to her spending a few weeks in hospital before being transferred to
Killarney Nursing Home.
“She took great care of me always and I owe her everything,” Donie said.
“She’s in relative good health, she’s eating well and she’s being well cared for in the nursing home.
“Of course it’s sad that we can’t be with her to celebrate her birthday – but we’re really grateful that she’s being so well looked after.”
Donie is also thankful to the team of home carers who visited Julia in her Gortavehy home and her neighbour Sheila McSweeny. “Sheila has always been good to Julia and I’m really thankful,” said Donie.
“Her neighbour Eileen Murphy was there to help too, when Julia fell at Christmas – I want to thank them all.
“I’m also very grateful to my partner, Winnie O’Connor, who’s always looked after Julia very well – they have great time for each other.”
“The Public Health Nurse, Aileen O’Riordan, has also been a great help.”
Julia was born on April 26, 1914 and from a young age, she worked for farmers in the region. She was regarded as a Trojan worker and despite retiring a number of years ago, she is known to not rest on her laurels.
She follows all the soaps on TV, loves traditional music and Cork hurling and football.
And while Donie thinks there’s no great secret to her reaching the age of 106, she’s known to favour a hale and hearty diet of bacon and cabbage.