Jackie was born just one week before the Titantic sunk on Good Friday, 5 April 1912, and was a popular character in the Killarney area.

He spent his early life working as a farm labourer and farmed a few acres in Ballaugh, Co Kerry. His nickname was inherited from his father, who was a builder but known to be knowledgeable about agriculture.

Local journalist Donal Hickey said Jackie was highly respected and loved by the local community.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Jackie led a very simple life and had a great spirit and outlook,” he said. “He had bright, sparkly eyes and would engage you. He told me he never felt old or young, it was like he was the same age for all his life.”

In later years, his home became a rambling house where people gathered to exhange stories in front of the open fire. He had many a tale to tell, having lived through two world wars and the Black and Tans in Ireland.

Jackie was married to to his wife Rita for 31 years and their only child Hannah died shortly after birth. A deeply religious man, he travelled to Medjugorje and Lourdes regularly and even managed a trip after his 100th birthday in 2012.

Jackie never owned a car, instead opting to travel to Killarney town on a pony and trap up until a few years ago.