Laois woman celebrates her 100th birthday by being honoured Centenarian Award

A Laois woman has marked her 100th birthday by being honoured with the first ever Laois County Council Centenarian Award.

Breda Fitzpatrick from Wolfhill was announced as the inaugural recipient of the Laois County Council Centenarian Award on Thursday, March 5. 

In partnership with Age Friendly Laois, the council have launched this new initiative to celebrate Laois residents when they reach the age of 100. Each centenarian is honoured with a commemorative coin, specially designed to mark this extraordinary achievement.

Breda was presented with her award at the Laois County Council Chambers on Thursday, with members of her family and local councillors attending the celebration.

Breda Fitzpatrick with her family at Laois County Council Chambers.

Originally from Kilkenny, Breda has lived an extraordinary life which has seen significant changes in Ireland and the world.

Breda was born on February 21, 1926 in Grennville, Kilmacow, County Killkenny. Her mother was from Greenville and her father was from Waterford.

She attended the local convent school before travelling to England in 1943, where she lived with her aunt, a Mother Superior in the Dominican Order in Launceston. There, Breda completed her education and went on to train as a primary school teacher in Southampton.

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After qualifying, she moved to Burnt Oak in London, where she worked in a Catholic school run by the Dominican Order. She remained there until 1959.

Like many Irish people of her generation, Breda found community and connection through Irish social life in London. It was at the Galtymore Dance Hall where she met her future husband, Bill Fitzpatrick. They married in Kilburn in 1956, before returning to Ireland in 1959 and settling in Farnans, Wolfhill, County Laois.

Breda Fitzpatrick with Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh.

They made Wolfhill their home, raising a family of five daughters and two sons. Breda and Bill went on to have 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. 

Breda and Bill built a full life together, marked by hard work, resilience and devotion to family. Bill sadly passed away in 2020, just two weeks short of his 95th birthday.

Over her 100 years, Breda has witnessed a century that reshaped the world. Born into an Ireland emerging from civil war, she grew up without many of the comforts taken for granted today - no social welfare system, limited electricity, no running water in many homes, and a world without television, fridges or washing machines. 

Breda Fitzpatrick with members of Laois County Council.

An avid reader all her life, Breda developed a deep interest in politics and current affairs, both locally and nationally. She continues to read the newspaper from cover to cover each day.

A woman who always moved with the times, she embraced new technology, learning to use a mobile phone and later upgrading to a smartphone so she could follow the news online and keep in touch with her children and grandchildren around the world.

She remains a loyal listener to RTÉ Radio and has long enjoyed following sport, from GAA to soccer and rugby. 

Commenting on the achievement, Breda’s daughter Clare Fitzpatrick said: "We, as a family are so proud as our mammy receives the first Laois Centenarian award.

"We are so privileged to have her as a constant in our lives for so long, a great mother and granny and great granny, known fondly now as Granny Fitz by everyone - memories of a warm heart, a great love for each and every one of us. We look forward to seeing who joins mammy on Laois County Council's list of Centenarian Awards - a lovely initiative!"

Laois County Council has extended its warmest congratulations to Breda Fitzpatrick on her 100th birthday.

Speaking on behalf of Laois County Council, Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh said: "It is a great honour for Laois County Council to recognise Breda Fitzpatrick as the very first recipient of our Centenarian Award. Breda’s life story reflects the strength, resilience and quiet determination of a generation that lived through immense change and helped shape the Ireland we know today.

"This accolade signifies not just a celebration of a birthday, but also recognises a lifetime dedicated to family, community, and meaningful contributions. Breda is a wonderful ambassador for this initiative, and we extend our warmest congratulations to her and her family."

Speaking ahead of the launch of the Centenarian Award, Laois County Council Chief Executive Michael Rainey said: "This initiative is about celebrating people. Our aim is for centenarians and their families to feel truly valued and supported, ensuring they can mark this significant milestone in a way that is meaningful to them.

"Breda Fitzpatrick’s remarkable life stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a strong community spirit. It is a privilege to honour her as the inaugural recipient."

Families, care facilities or community groups can make an enquiry about this award by contacting agefriendlylaois@laoiscoco.ie.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme