Birthday celebrations for Eamon

Birthday celebrations for Eamon

10 July 2024

A CASTLEWELLAN centurion said the secret to a long and happy life is having a young wife.

Eamon Lennon was born in Aughlisnafin on July 9, 1924, and has this week been celebrating the remarkable achievement of reaching his 100th birthday.

Eamon is the eldest of nine children, three of whom are still alive.

His wife Geraldine (74), said he had a very happy childhood growing up and always kept himself busy. 

“He’s always been a busy man and loved a sense of adventure,” she said.

“We met at McElroy’s Pub in Drumnaquoile in 1993 and it was love at first sight. We really took to each other, married the next year, and we have not looked back ever since. We do everything together and we are very supportive of each other.”

Eamon’s wife said he has a brilliant social life and a passionate golfer.

“He’s been golfing for well over 50 years and still plays two or three times a week.

“He also still drives and goes to Newry, Downpatrick and all over quite regularly – he’s just absolutely brilliant and has no intention of slowing down or taking it easy.”

One of Eamon’s favourite journeys, is the drive to Base Coffee at Central Promenade in  Newcastle where he and his wife travel each morning for their favourite coffee.

Yesterday, the shop hosted the couple and some of their family and friends for a special birthday celebration.

Last Saturday, Eamon’s family held a surprise birthday party for him in Maginn’s in Castlewellan, which was attended by 86 people, with family members from America coming back to visit him

“It was a brilliant night,” Geraldine said.

“We were so happy that so many people turned up – it was a big surprise to Eamon.”

Eamon is a father of nine. Sadly, three of his children have passed away, but he has four step-children and several grandchildren.

“There’s quite a big family of us, but we all had a fantastic night,” Geraldine added.

But the celebrations are not over just yet.

Later today, Eamon’s golf friends are taking him and Geraldine out for a dinner and the Newcastle Bowling Club, of which Eamon is the president, has booked them a lovely stay at the Slieve Donard Hotel this weekend.

Geraldine added: “We’ve had a wonderful week and are so grateful to everyone who has made this week special for Eamon. We love him so much and look forward to plenty more adventures together.”