Bridie Sheeran writes:

I attended a beautiful ceremony in Kildaree Cemetery recently to witness 99-year-old Paddy Connolly, from Friars Walk, Dunmore, officially erect a new headstone on his future home in the hereafter! It was witnessed by his family & close friends.

His mum, brothers and sisters were all buried overseas, so he had clay from their graves in the UK & USA sent to Ireland to share his burial plot.

Leo Finnegan, a teacher & writer from Williamstown, gave a beautiful history of Paddy’s life in the construction business until he retired at the age of 70. Celebrations continued in the Golden Eagle in Castlerea afterwords with music & dance.

Since his retirement, Paddy has been a regular dancer in Anbally, the Dalton Inn, Abbeyknockmoy & Foxhall, etc.

He has a great sense of humour, and has already booked the Town Hall in Dunmore for January next to celebrate his 100th birthday. He has also booked Tommy Flaherty (pictured with Paddy) for the special occasion!