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Kilkenny native Margaret Peg Byrne celebrated her 100th birthday on 17 June in St Theresa’s nursing home in Thurles, Co Tipperary.
Well known in the area, Peg was one of the first ladies to be seen driving a tractor - and a milk lorry - on the roads of her native Kilkenny.
She was also heavily involved in Macra na Feirme in her younger days.
Joined by nursing home staff and extended family members, Superintendent Patrick Murphy of Thurles Garda Station presented Peg with a cheque from President Michael D Higgins.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, her cousin, Monsignor Michael Ryan of Castlecomer, gave an insight into Peg’s love of farming and greyhound racing.
“Margaret Peg Byrne was formerly from Knockmannon, Lisdowney, Ballyraggett, Co Kilkenny. She was one of three children, brothers Ned and Ciaran.
“After school she attended the Dominican College in Dublin for a number of years and returned home to farm with her parents Patrick and Catherine Welsh and brother Ned,” he said.
Farming
“The farm was a mixed enterprise and Peg took part in all aspects of the farm. Her dad had bought a lorry to bring his own milk and neighbours milk to the creamery and, when needed, Peg would often go and take the lorry herself.
“In 1956 she married John Byrne from Clonoulty, Co Tipperary. John was an extensive farmer and they continued farming right throughout their married life together,” Monsignor Ryan said.
Greyhound racing
The couple had one great hobby and that was racing greyhounds.
They were deeply involved in this and were very well known in greyhound circles in Limerick, Clonmel and Thurles, Monsignor Ryan told the Irish Farmers Journal.
“Herself and her husband John had no family. He died in 1997 and sometime later she went to live in the Sue Ryder home in Holycross and was very happy there for a number of years,” he said.
She then moved to St Theresa’s nursing home in Thurles 10 years ago, where she celebrated her 100th birthday on 17 June.
The President’s cheque
Also speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Sergeant John McCormack expressed his delight that the gardaí were involved in presenting the President’s cheque to Peg.
“Anne Fitzpatrick from St Theresa’s nursing home contacted us to say it would be nice for the gardaí to be involved and present the cheque to Margaret on the day,” he explained.
“On the morning of her birthday, Anne informed us that Margaret was in great form and was well enough for us to present the cheque.”
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