Ethel O’Neill (nee Brankin), the oldest parishioner of this Parish reached the amazing milestone birthday of 100 years on 8 March 2024. The year that Ethel was born, Ramsey McDonald became the first ever Labour Prime Minister, Edgar Hoover was appointed Head of FBI, Lenin died, and Stalin became his successor as the leader of the Communist party. Legislation was passed by the Dáil to establish the new court system for the Irish Free State in the aftermath of independence from the UK, Scottish engineer John Logie Baird invented the first working TV and 5 years later, the Baird Televisor went on sale. Until the 1930’s, most Irish households did not have access to domestic refrigeration. Notebooks with spiral binding were invented and this was the year that Kleenex products went on sale, Babe Ruth was the most famous athlete in the world, and the first BBC broadcast from Belfast took place.
Most importantly this was the year Ethel O’Neill was born. Today, 8 March Ethel celebrated as ”Queen for the day’’ wearing her badge with pride. She was also proud of the fact that her special day was acknowledged by King Charles and Queen Camila who sent her a birthday card wishing her their congratulations.
Congratulations to Ethel from all in the Parish of Glenavy & Killead!
