A local centenarian who says that porridge is the secret to long life recently celebrated her 100th birthday in style.
Ethel Stewart (née Corvett), who lives in Kesh, marked her big birthday on April 22 surrounded by her family.
Originally a native of Drum, Co. Monaghan, Ethel moved to Fermanagh in the 1980s to return to her rural roots.
Describing Ethel and her zest for life, daughter-in-law Jenny Stewart said: "She is just amazing."
Ethel joined by her extended family celebrating her milestone birthday
She continued: "Ethel moved to Belfast to do her nursing in the City Hospital, where she worked before becoming a district nurse toward the end of her career.
"She married John Stewart in 1947 and they had four sons – Malcolm, Geoffrey, Alistair and David. She has 11 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren."
Explaining how the Monaghan native came to live in Kesh, Jenny said: "When her husband died [in 1983], Ethel retired to Fermanagh. She just moved to Kesh, knowing no-one, when she was 65! There were no relatives anywhere near her."
Ethel had a most enjoyable day to mark her 100th birthday, said Jenny. "She was absolutely thrilled that the Bishop of Clogher visited her; she was as happy as Larry to have him, and Rev. Storey and Canon Irwin.
Joining Ethel to celebrate her birthday are; Canon Alan Irwin, Colaghty Parish, Lack, Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr Ian Ellis and Revd Abraham Storey, who is currently taking services in Mageraculmoney Parish, Ardess, Kesh
"We came down and took her to the Killyhevlin for lunch, and she just loved it. 12 of us went for lunch and we went in with her 100 [birthday] balloon, and everyone stopped her on their way to the table and congratulated her.
"She wore her sash, which said 'Queen for the day'!"
Ethel received countless cards and flowers to mark her special day. "She got her [birthday] card from The Queen which she took to the Killy, and it sat on the table and she was absolutely thrilled.
"The carers rang ahead [on the morning of Ethel's birthday] and told us to 'bring as many vases as you can', because there were so many flowers."
Ethel was also delighted to receive a card from Lord Brookeborough, the Lord Lieutenant for Fermanagh.
Paying tribute to her mother-in-law's character, Jenny said: "She is a very chatty woman, who loves talking and has been hospitable all of her life."
Jenny also revealed her mother-in-law's secret to long life: porridge in the morning.
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