There was a special day recently for one of Dungarvan Community Hospital’s lady residents, as she celebrated her 100th birthday.
Staff at the residential care centre, where Mrs. Doreen Keane is cared for in the Vincent’s Unit, were joined last weekend by family, friends and local GP Dr. David Mahoney to mark the occasion.
John McCarthy and friends entertained the guests and staff with music during the afternoon and a cake and food reception was laid on by catering staff of the hospital.
A number of people spoke at the occasion. Doreen herself thanked everyone for their good wishes and for looking after her so well:
“Everyone has been so nice and so kind. Dungarvan Community Hospital is a wonderful facility and there are great people here. I am so comfortable here, I almost feel that I am not a hundred years old!”
Director of Nursing at Dungarvan Community Hospital Paula French thanked Doreen for her kind words:
“Doreen is a great advertisement for being 100! There are staff here for this occasion who have come in especially on their day off to see Doreen. It has been a pleasure to look after Doreen and we were delighted to be able to facilitate this occasion.”
Dr. David Mahoney complimented Doreen and then read out the letter from President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins which accompanied the Presidential Bounty sent to Doreen upon her reaching 100 years. In it, the President wrote:
“Throughout this past Century, we have witnessed remarkable changes to all aspects of our lives. In many ways, the world we live in today would have been unimaginable on the day of your birth… You have played your own important part in shaping and crafting the world we live in today, bringing your own energy, experience and wisdom to your work, family and community life. As President of Ireland, I congratulate and thank you for that work and contribution. As you celebrate this milestone birthday, I hope you will be surrounded by the warmth of happy memories and secure in the knowledge that you continue to make this world a better place for all who love you.”
Doreen’s good friend Rosemary Burns was present, as were daughter in law Karen Keane, granddaughters Ciara and Mia, and Doreen’s niece Barbara Haslam.
Doreen’s son Barry Keane reminded everyone of the remarkable life led by his mother:
“Doreen spent 10 years working in the US Embassy in Dublin. Doreen, who worked in the Visa section, recounts many stories of emigrants travelling to the USA, their difficulties and sad stories of separation and families being refused a visa based solely on health reasons (as TB was rampant at the time). Doreen attended many Balls held in the US ambassador’s residence in Phoenix Park and also has some interesting stories from people she met there.”
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