Ireland’s oldest man marks his incredible 107th birthday next week – hale and hearty and living at home with the support and great care of his family and helpers.

Martin McEvilly is looking forward to receiving his seventh silver medal and congratulatory letter from President Michael D Higgins at his home in Rosscahill East.

The Killannin man hasn’t just enjoyed long life himself; he also celebrated an incredible 75 years of married life before his wife Kathleen passed away in her mid-nineties in September 2021.

The crown of Ireland’s oldest man was previously held by Michael O’Connor, who was born on October 21 1913 in Glencar in South Co Kerry – but he passed away last year at the age of 108, and now Martin’s family believe he holds the crown.

Get the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now, or you can download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie. You can also download our Connacht Tribune App from Apple’s App Store or get the Android Version from Google Play.