A former teacher with deep roots in Fermanagh recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

Eileen Rickard (nee Kirkpatrick), who was born in Nutfield House, Brookeborough, in 1924, marked the milestone with a family garden party at her home in Egginton, Derbyshire, on August 7.

Her daughter’s house, a former rectory, is where Eileen now lives alone in the grounds.

Family members flew in from Canada, Switzerland, Northern Ireland, and England to celebrate with her.

Family members flew in from Canada, Switzerland, Northern Ireland, and England to celebrate with her. (Image: Supplied) A former pupil of Enniskillen Collegiate School, Eileen trained as a teacher at Stranmillis College in Belfast and enjoyed a long teaching career before retiring.

She is believed to be the oldest former pupil of the Collegiate.

Eileen has vivid memories of her childhood in Fermanagh, and her fascinating knowledge of historical events, alongside her keen interest in current affairs, continues to captivate her family.

Eileen marked the milestone with a family garden party at her home in Egginton, Derbyshire, on August 7 (Image: Supplied) Eileen and her late husband, Michael Rickard, have three children, twins sons, and a daughter, and six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Michael, who she met while he was serving as a Sunderland pilot based in Fermanagh during the war, adds another layer to her rich family history.

Reflecting on her century-long journey, Eileen, who only started to look forward to her 100th birthday a month before, said: "There's no magic to getting to 100."