'Marvellous' Laois lady celebrates 107th birthday on New Year's Day

A Laois woman is now amongst the oldest living people in Ireland, and she has just celebrated her 107th birthday.

Born on New Year's Day, January 1, 1919, Sylvia Mathews is from Portarlington.

For recent years she been a much loved resident of St Martha's ward in the HSE's St Vincents' Community Nursing Unit in Mountmellick. Back in 2002 aged 102 she was the first person in a Laois nursing home to receive a Covid vaccine.

On Thursday, January 1 Ms Mathews was the centre of attention in St Vincent's again for her 107th birthday celebration, with an afternoon tea and birthday cake laid on for her in the therapies room.

Elaine Conroy is ward manager of St Martha’s Ward, where Sylvia is a resident.

“We celebrated Sylvia Mathews 107th birthday on January 1st which she enjoyed. It was a quiet occasion with residents and staff and some family members.

“Staff, residents and some of her relatives came to celebrate with Sylvia,” Elaine told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

She said they fondly refer to Ms Mathews "the queen".

“She amazes us every day. She likes to have afternoon tea, and a sweet treat. She puts a smile on all our faces.

“She has had some moments in the past year where we thought she was in decline but she pulls through every time. She is very alert,” the manager said.

Sylvia Mathews has a son and daughter Stuart and Susan who live in the UK , along with several grandchildren.

Two years ago she celebrated her 105th birthday in truly grand style, in Emo Court.

Sylvia Mathews arriving at Emo House for her 105th birthday in 2024, with former Emo employee Frances Carroll and vintage car owner Tom Treacy.

Vintage car owner Tom Treacy from The Heath had kindly chauffeured her in style in his 1952 MG, from Mountmellick to the steps of Emo house, where she had been a frequent visitor and friend to the late owner Major Chomeley Harrison. 

She was even present on the day that the Major formally handed the house and grounds to President Mary Robinson on behalf of the State. Sylvia keeps a photo of that day by her bedside.

On that birthday, Sylvia was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers as she took a trip down memory lane and made a toast to her dear friend Cholmeley in the house.

When asked how she felt about it all she replied with a smile "Isn't it marvellous?".

Sylvia’s commemorative coin from the new President of Ireland Catherine Connolly along with a letter of congratulations, had already arrived ahead of her birthday, her seventh since turning 100.

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A new coin is designed for each year. Every Irish citizen who reaches their 100th birthday receives a gift of €2,540 from the State.

Ireland's oldest woman does not live too far from Laois. Nell Hynes who is from Coolderry in Offaly recently celebrated her 109th birthday at home with her family on December 18, 2025.