Peter celebrates 80th in style!
Friends and family gathered in the Boyne Valley Hotel recently to help local man Peter Donnelly celebrate his 80th birthday.
Peter marked the occasion on December 29th, his birth date, and was joined by his wife Margaret, his children Alan, Brian, Annemarie and Kevin, daughters-in-law Lorna and Elaine and son-in-law Nigel as well as his nine grandchildren.
He was also joined for the celebrations by his brother Sean and sisters Nellie and Myra as well as his brothers-in-law and sisters in law and extended family and friends, neighbours and close friends from his old snooker crew, one of his great passions in life.
Originally a Donnelly from Greenlanes, Peter and Margaret live in Sunnyside Cottages and Peter previously worked in the Oilcake on the Marsh Road for close to three decades before going on to work with security company Securicor for a short time.
Peter thoroughly enjoyed the celebrations and even though he knew the party was happening there were still a few surprises on the day, including the arrival of close family member Aoife and her boyfriend John who he was thrilled they were able to make it for the big day.
‘He had a great time, he really enjoyed the whole thing and it was a lovely way to celebrate,’ Peter’s daughter Annemarie told the Drogheda Independnet.
An avid sports fan with a passion for snooker, darts and pool, Peter’s grandchildren had a specially commissioned cake made in his honour from Elaine’s cakes featuring a pool table, darts and poker chips on it.
‘ The grandkids all got together to arrange the cake with his favourite hobbies on it so it was very special,’ said Annemarie. ‘He loves all kinds of sports so he was absolutely delighted with the cake which had all his favourite hobbies on it.’
The group enjoyed a sit down three course meal at lunchtime and the party continued throughout the afternoon with a great catch up had by all in attendance.
The party was an extra special celebration for the family as both Peter and Margaret have had serious health issues during the year but are thankfully now on the mend and were delighted to be able to mark the milestone birthday surrounded by their closest family and friends.
‘It was a really great day and we were there until about 8pm. Everyone enjoyed the celebrations and Dad was thrilled with how it all went,’ said Annemarie.
The event proved to be a huge hit with everyone in attendance, especially the Peter who thoroughly enjoyed his 80th.