One of the oldest people in Ireland celebrated her magnificent 107th birthday last weekend – still enjoying life to the full.

Kathleen Lowery was born in Clare on July 19th 1916, but moved to Tuam when she was fourteen.

And she still lives in the town, in her home off the Old Road, where she marked her latest milestone birthday with a party last Friday.

Family and friends travelled from near and far to join Kathleen, who lives at home with her daughter Viola.

Kathleen herself has seen a fair slice of the world on her many travels, and – closer to home – worked for a time at the Tuam courthouse.

Kathleen has always had a love for sports and playing bingo – and has been blessed all her life with a great sense of humour.

And her 107th birthday came just days before another Galwegian celebrated this incredible age. Martin McEvilly received his seventh silver medal and congratulatory letter from President Michael D Higgins at his home in Rosscahill East.

He is believed to be the oldest man in Ireland after the death last year of Michael O’Connor from Glencar in South Co Kerry last year at the age of 108.

But Kathleen has a bit of catching up to do on Ireland’s oldest woman.

Mairin Hughes celebrated her 109th birthday in May at Maryfield Nursing Home in Chapelizod, Dublin.

Mairin, who was born in Belfast and spent part of her long life in Kerry, Cork and Dublin, still does the crossword regularly, loves birdwatching and “does everything you’re supposed to do to keep well”.