Molly is touched by love and generosity on her 100th birthday
By Mary Dennehy
THE benefits of working outdoors has been attributed to the healthy longevity of Molly Delaney’s life, a mother-of-eight who recently celebrated her 100th birthday.
Living in Newcastle, Molly came to Dublin from her home county of Wexford when she was just 16, to work in one of the ‘big houses’.
Molly Delaney celebrating her 100th birthday and her letter and cheque from President Michael D Higgins
A young Molly started work in a stately home in the Terenure/Templeogue area, and this is where she met husband Paddy, who worked in the gardens.
Speaking with The Echo, Molly’s eldest son Seamus (75), who lives in Saggart, said that the young family lived for some time in Killinarden before moving to Brittas, and then Newcastle.
Seamus’s dad Paddy got work with a local farmer in Killinarden and the family lived for around four years in a small house on the land, way before any housing developments kicked off.
“My mam worked hard all her life”, Seamus told The Echo.
“She thinned turnips and weeded them when she lived in Killinarden and picked potatoes with a local farmer in Newcastle.
Molly with three of her children Betty, Seamus and Noreen
“She was always outside working, she loves growing things and has a wonderful pair of hands.”
He added: “My mam is a really lovely person, very good humoured and she’s been here for us, all of our lives.
“It’s brilliant that that she’s here at 100 but we don’t look on her as 100 [years old], most people think she’s around 70.”
Molly Delaney
Alongside a life working outside on the land, Molly also enjoys a bit of fat in her diet, with Seamus remembering her enjoying food like pigs cheeks when he was growing up.
“She also loves her fry in the morning, but not every morning”, he said.
“She’s been very, very healthy over the years, and was never in hospital overnight.”
Molly Delaney
Molly’s children have remained close to home, living in Clondalkin, Newcastle and Saggart, with one daughter living in Canada.
She also has 21 beautiful grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Two weeks ago, Molly’s family and neighbours had a small, social distance celebration in their gardens to mark the special birthday, which included a performance by the RAMS in Rhythm on her driveway.
In a comment to The Echo, Molly said: “Many thanks and gratitude to all that helped me celebrate my 100th birthday on September 15.
“To all my family, neighbours, friends, day care staff and medical centre, the amazing flowers, cards, gifts, well wishes, I was touched by the love and generosity.
“The RAMS put on a great show on my driveway.”
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