Surrounded by her family and friends, Aggie Owens from Kinawley celebrated her milestone 100th birthday last Saturday afternoon (September 23).

The centenarian had a great day, celebrating with a birthday party in Kinawley Community Hall, which was attended by her family members including her six children, 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, along with a number of friends and neighbours.

Everyone enjoyed socialising together with music and a birthday cake for her remarkable birthday.

"She really enjoyed it," said a spokesperson for Aggie's family, adding: "It was great for her to see so many neighbours that she wouldn't have seen for a while.

"She really enjoyed meeting up with everyone."

Born Aggie Gilroy on September 23, 1922, she grew up with her five siblings at Derrylin Main Street.

She lived there until she married James Owens, then moving to Kinawley where they had a farm, with Aggie and James raising their children, Benny, Pauline, Martina, Breda, Andy and Seamus.

Aggie worked as a housewife and also helped a lot on the farm. 

"She says that hard work is the secret to her long life, and keeping active," said the family spokesperson, adding: "Her faith is also very important to her. She sees the good in people, and has a very optimistic outlook on life."

Sadly, Aggie's husband James passed away in the late 1980s. To this day, she still lives at the family farm in Kinawley with her son, Seamus, and his family.

Aggie was predeceased by her three brothers and two sisters, and she is the last remaining sibling of the Gilroy family.

Talking about Aggie's hobbies and interests, the family spokesperson noted that prior to the Covid-19 lockdown, she enjoyed playing bingo in Zodiac, Enniskillen, and meeting up with friends to play cards. She now plays bingo online.

Aggie also loves sport and in her younger years played for Derrylin Camogie team and represented County Fermanagh.

"She still has a great interest in all sports, and follows her club and county matches," said the family spokesperson.

Aggie has seen a lot of changes over the years, and has a great memory for all the stories from her youth.

She very much enjoyed making new memories over the weekend celebrating her special birthday with all of her loved ones.