Rose O’Halloran, at 102 years of age, was one of Clondalkin’s oldest

ByMaurice Garvey

CLONDALKIN marked the end of an era this week – with the sad passing of Castle Park resident Rose O’Halloran (102).

Rose, who was by all accounts a fabulous embroiderer by profession, and worked up until the age of 84, went shopping until last May, and was described as a “wonderful lady” by the nursing home, who cared for her over the last year.

Born in August 1913, Rose featured on the award-winning documentary by Alex Fegan Older Than Ireland – which explored the lives of centenarians around Ireland, and was released in 2015.

A quiet person by nature, Rose was also very adventurous, lying about her age (by some 10 years) to secure a job in Glen Abbey, according to her daughter Irene.

Irene said: “I think it was the loneliness after my father died. She applied for a canteen job in Glen Abbey and loved it, meeting people. She was a bit cheeky and knocked about 10 years of her age in the interview – because of the rules hiring people after retirement age (65).

“However, she got a lovely send-off and was even asked back to work in Glen Abbey part-time.”

Rose was born and reared in the North Wall, moving to Clondalkin in the late 1970s, after her husband William died.

“Via a sojourn in Ballyfermot, she bought a house in Castle Park,” said Irene.

“She was very active and worked hard all her life. She cycled everywhere and got the most out of life. Her specialty was gold and silver embroidery, army badges, stripes, rugby caps.”

Judy Glennon, who runs Parke House Nursing Home, said “Rose worked on the first carpet put into Dáil.”

“An absolutely wonderful lady,” said Judy.

“She loved life and dancing, was shopping for groceries until last year, and very pleasant and nice to be around.”

Fr Padraic O’Sullivan, Parish Priest at Clondalkin Village Parish, celebrated the funeral mass for Rose on Saturday.

Fr O’Sullivan said: “I got the impression that Rose was quiet but a very good listener. In my four years here, she is the oldest I’ve officiated for. It is unusual to have such a big congregation for someone over 100, but she had a big network of family and friends.”

Rose is survived by children Marie, Irene, Liam, John, the late Caroline, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.