Northern Ireland

Co Antrim woman Maud Nicholl, believed to be Ireland’s oldest person, turns 110

Maud Nicholl celebrates her 110th birthday with family and friends at Glenkeen nursing home in Randalstown yesterday. Picture by Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
Maud Nicholl celebrates her 110th birthday with family and friends at Glenkeen nursing home in Randalstown yesterday. Picture by Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Maud Nicholl celebrates her 110th birthday with family and friends at Glenkeen nursing home in Randalstown yesterday. Picture by Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

A CO Antrim woman, believed to be Ireland’s oldest person, marked another birthday milestone yesterday when she turned 110.

Maud Nicholl, who was born in 1909, enjoyed her latest birthday celebrations with friends and family in Randalstown.

The Ballymena-born woman, who has never married, posed for photographs at Glenkeen Nursing Home.

She previously revealed the secret to her longevity was "a good healthy appetite, never missed a meal".

"And no drinking, no smoking and no men," she added.

It comes as the oldest person in the Republic has died at the age of 108.

Mary Coyne from Roscommon passed away on Monday. Picture from RIP.ie
Mary Coyne from Roscommon passed away on Monday. Picture from RIP.ie Mary Coyne from Roscommon passed away on Monday. Picture from RIP.ie

Mary Coyne from Co Roscommon passed away at the Áras Mháthair Phóil Community Nursing Unit in Castlerea on Monday.

She was the mother of two children, Tom and Pauline, and a grandmother and great grandmother. Her husband, Roger, died some years ago.

Upon reaching her 100th birthday, she attributed her long life to "taking life one day at a time".

She became the Republic's oldest person last year following the death of Dublin woman Elizabeth Dempsey, aged 107.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated at St Patrick's Church in Castlerea yesterday.