One of Galway’s oldest residents celebrates her 104th birthday last week – with her zest for life as healthy as ever!

Mary O’Leary has lived at the Little Flower Nursing Home, Labane, Ardrahan, for the past twelve years, and she was joined by family and friends there for her special day.

Little Flower proprietor Joan Gardiner Surman revealed that the sprightly centenarian still likes to keep up-to-date with current events – not to mention a dollop of celebrity gossip!

“Mary is an avid reader; she loves thrillers and romance,” said Joan.

“She keeps herself informed by reading the daily paper and loves Hello magazine, she has a huge interest in the Royal family.”

Born Mary Quinn on May 23 1919 in Ballinlisheen, Tubber, Co. Clare to John Quinn and Mary Kate McKague, Mary never saw her father as he passed away before she was born – leaving her an only child.

She attended Boston National School and Gort Secondary School, and from a young age, she on the family farm.

Mary married her husband Joe O’ Leary in Tubber Church in 1948, and they lived in Ballinlisheen until Joe passed away in July 1997.

Mary then relocated to Gort town, and subsequently moved to the Little Flower Nursing Home, Labane, Ardrahan on October 14 2011 where she has had a very fulfilled few years.

She celebrated her birthday in the Little Flower Nursing Home Tuesday, May 23, surrounded by her family, the wonderful staff who take such great care of her, and all the residents of the Little Flower.

She had a wonderful party with local musicians Peter Gardiner, Pat O’Neill and Vincent Mullins providing the entertainment.

And Mary also received a lovely letter of congratulations from President Michael D. Higgins along with a beautiful commemorative medal.

(Photo: Mary O’Leary celebrates her 104th birthday with her cousin Pat Lahiff and his wife Noeleen from Peterswell).