Sr Aidan celebrates her 100th birthday
BROTHER HOME FROM USA FOR PARTY
Sr Aidan Beirne and her 92-year-old brother Patrick, with Mayor of Sligo Rosaleen O'grady, presenting her with a letter and cheque from President Michael D Higgins.
"I PUT my trust in God, took every day as it came and helped anyone I could"............ that is Sr. Aidan Beirne's secret to a long and happy life as she celebrated her 100th birthday on Bank Holiday Monday.
Sr. Aidan was joined for the celebration by her brother Patrick from Pennsylvania, who will be 92 in July, his daughter, Geraldine, and his sonin-law, Tony, relatives and fellow Sisters. The Mayor of Sligo, Councillor Rosaleen O'grady, presented her with a cheque on behalf of the President, Michael D. Higgins.
Having spent all her time in Sligo, to this day Sr. Aidan can machine and hand sew as good as ever, having for many years made to perfection all the long habits with pleated skirts, veils and cloaks for outdoor wear for all the Sisters at St. Patrick's Convent of Mercy, Sligo.
Born in Lisacul, Ballaghaderreen, county Roscommon, she was baptised Mary and called Mamie. There were thirteen in the family, eight girls and five boys. Sr. Aidan is the seventh.
She attended Lisacul National School and after primary school she went to the convent in Loughglynn for almost two years, cyling the nine miles from her home to do so. The Sisters there had a school that taught sewing, embroidery, knitting, crochet, dress making and all kinds of crafts.
Sr. Aidan entered St. Patrick's Convent on December 8th, 1932 and her training and talent as a seamstress was immediately put to good use.
She was given a new job as receptionist and hospitality Sister for the convent in the early 1950's and it was here that she became renowned for her graciousness, hospitality and kindness.
There is no end to her talents she can sew, embroider, cross-stitch, make pictures from pressed flowers and much more. She also cured and made sheepskin rugs in her time, made fire screens by needle point and she has an extraordinary talent for flower arranging and loves flowers and plants.
Sr. Aidan comes from a musical family and loves Irish music and singing. She remains independent and can often be seen out in the garden keeping an eye on how things are growing.
- MICHAEL MORAN
