Eileen 'Nell' Hynes, who was Ireland's oldest resident until her death in June at the age of 109, once shared the three principles she believed helped her live beyond 100: hard work, no smoking and no drinking.
Ms Hynes, from Cullenwaine near Moneygall in County Offaly, was born in December 1916 during the twilight of British rule in Ireland. She grew up as one of six siblings and worked at the post office in Moneygall before marrying her husband, Bill, in 1939. The couple later moved to Coolderry, where they raised seven sons and three daughters.
Her advice on living past 100
During an interview with OffalyLive on her 106th birthday, Ms Hynes attributed her longevity to three straightforward principles: "hard work and no smoking or drinking", as reported by the Irish Mirror.
Her family grew to include 10 children, 30 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Early life and hardships
Reflecting on her early years of raising a family, Ms Hynes, who lived without electricity until the 1960s, recalled in 2022: "There was plenty of hardship. Men worked for one pound a week then and that was good money. I had to bring water 200 or 300 yards from the river, boil it in a pot over the open fire to wash the clothes in a big tub in the middle of the floor."
During her final year, she received a visit from Daniel O'Donnell, who shared on social media: "I dropped by to see Nell Hynes Co Offaly. Nell is the oldest person in Ireland at 109yrs old. Such a pleasure to meet her."
Tributes after her death
Following her death in her sleep earlier this year, one tribute read: "So saddened to hear about the passing of Mrs Hynes. What a wonderful woman and a wonderful life she had surrounded by everyone she loved."
The tribute continued: "Thinking of all her family at this sad time, especially her son Flan and her granddaughter Audrey. I know how much granny meant to you, the longer you had her the harder it is to part with her, just cherish all those memories and years you had together, thinking of you all. RIP granny Hynes."
