One of Ireland’s oldest people, Margaret Coleman, dies aged 105

The Roscommon native passed away peacefully on Monday January 17th.

Mrs Coleman was living in Athlone, Co. Westmeath at the time of her death.

She left Ireland in her teens to become a nurse in the UK, where she lived until her retirement in 1982 at the age of 65.

Her late husband, whom she was married to for 61 years passed away in October 2015.

Margaret met John Henry Coleman, her local postman, in 1949 when she returned from the UK to visit her mother.

Predeceased by her husband John and her son Gerard, she is survived by her daughter Mary and son Sean.

She will also be sadly missed by her daughter-in-law Máire, son-in-law Ken, grandsons Seán and Éanna, in-laws, cousins, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Her funeral mass took place on Friday January 21st, at 11.30am in St. Anthony’s Friary and she was laid to rest in Coosan Cemetery.

Ireland’s oldest man, Michael O'Connor, from Muckross in Co Kerry, celebrated his 108th birthday last October.

Upon turning 100, people are eligible to receive a gift from the State of €2,540 and a special message from the President of Ireland, wishing them a happy birthday.

Since 1 January 2000, the President also marks the birthday of people over the age of 100 years.

On their 101st and every subsequent birthday, the person receives a special commemorative coin in a presentation box, along with a congratulatory letter signed by the President.

A new coin is designed for each year.