Neighbours celebrate Sean’s big 80th birthday in style

Marking life’s special occasions while in social isolation

AS his 80th birthday approached Sean Murphy was expecting another day spent indoors, more self-isolating in the long and protracted fight against Covid-19.

But he reckoned without his neighbours at Willow View in Castlebridge. Organised by family members and staff at Co-operative Housing South Leinster (CHSC), Sean’s big day saw neighbours come out to join him for some socially distant celebrations, a mark of respect for a man who has become a beloved member of the community.

Maria Butler is a Housing

Specialist at CHSC and helped to ensure the birthday boy knew nothing about the surprise party.

‘Sean is one of of our tenants and he’s been living in Willow View for about a year now,’ Maria said. ‘He thought the day was going to pass without anything happening but 80 is a big birthday so we had to do something for him.’

That something saw balloons and bunting erected in his honour and a special cake brought by daughter Margaret.

‘He was just thrilled,’ Maria said. ‘A good crowd came out of all the houses to celebrate with him, all the kids - who’s he great with. His sister and some other family members showed up too.’

And Maria said that since moving into Willow View Sean had become a valued member of this tight-knit community.

‘He’s such a decent man, he’s the kind of person who’d do anything for anyone. He’s settled in really well and says it’s the best move he’s ever made.

‘He suffers from COPD so he’s been cocooning, but he comes out and talks to his neighbours and has a great relationship with everyone. They all check in on him and make sure he’s okay.’

Sean Murphy Willow Park Castlebridge celebrated his 80th Birthday on Tuesday afternoon. Relatives and neighbours gathered socially distancing to wish him a happy birthday. Sean with his sister Breda Cullen and Leah Roche.

Dave Martin celebrated his birthday on May 7, here’s a picture of him before the lockdown with beloved grandkids David, Cian and Kyle.

Brother and sister Cian and Rebecca Furlong both celebrated birthdays recently, Cian turning 8 on May 8 and Rebecca 20 on April 18.

Ciara Goddard Wilkinstown, Whitechurch, Glynn celebrated her 11th birthday on May 10 with her parents and sister Sarah.

Cathal Maher recently turned 11 and received birthday wishes from cousin Ava Lily Brady.

Ger Dwyer from Maudlintown celebrated his birthday with children, Holly and Evan.

George Fowler turned 70 on April 28 and is pictured here in his younger days wearing the colours of his beloved North End.

Pat Murphy celebrated his 40th birthday with son Austin.

Clodagh Brady from Rosslare celebrated her 11th birthday on April 28 with parents Ian and Pam, brother Phelim and grandparents Jim and Margaret.

Eoin Kehoe from Hayestown celebrated his 18th birthday on April 25.

Sarah Quirke turned 14 in May and celebrated with her parents and sister Nicole.

Marta celebrated her sixth birthday on May 11.