Birthday girl Catherine finally got to see grandchildren from the States

BIRTHDAY celebrations are in order for Clondalkin grandmother Catherine Lally, who turns 70 on January 26.

It was a special Christmas for Catherine, who finally got to see her grandchildren from the USA, following two years of Covid restrictions.

The married mother of five, and nine grandchildren, welcomed home her son Glen Lally, a former Echo paperboy as a teenager in the 90s, from the States, with his family for Christmas and the New Year.

Glen, a Transformational Executive/Advisor in Silicon Valley, and a qualified pilot, could not return home to celebrate his 40th birthday with his family in 2020.

Lisa Gray, Catherine’s daughter, told The Echo about how “lovely” her mother is, she said: “Happy 70th birthday to one of the kindest, most lovely mothers in Ireland. My lovely Mam Catherine Lally turns 70 on January 26, there’s no hiding your age anymore (sorry Mam).

“She moved to Clondalkin 45 years ago and spent many years working in the Black Lion Pub, which in those days was called Healys. She’s a loving wife to Michael and has five children, Gerard, Lisa, June, Michael and Glen, and she’s also a wonderful nanny to nine grandchildren – Lauren, Shane, Cameron, Eoin, Aaron, Sienna, Ann Marie, Glenn and Julia.

Catherine celebrates her 70th birthday this week

“It’s just been a very memorable Christmas because she finally got to see her grandchildren from the States. We all love her more than words can say, she would do anything for anyone and we want to wish her the best birthday ever because she really deserves it.”

Catherine’s husband Michael also unexpectantly celebrated his 70th birthday in The Echo pages two years ago.

He spent the first few years of his life at the infamous Tuam Mothers and Baby home, was fostered out to a family in Mayo, and joined the Aircorps in Baldonnel, where he was an aircraft technician for 25 years.

Only in recent years, did Michael find out that he had an older brother Des, who emigrated to the USA, but thankfully the two have met up for reunions.

Lisa flies in on Saturday from Gatwick to celebrate with her parents.

“My dad’s 70th was in lockdown, so it’ll be nice to go out for dinner and celebrate properly,” she said.