By Clare Minnock
A CARBURY man celebrated his 101st birthday recently surrounded by family and friends.
Jack Gill, who is originally from Carbury but now residing in the Griffeen Valley Nursing Home in Lucan, celebrated the milestone on 29 November.
And not only was he surrounded by loved ones, but Jack was also in possession of a very special presidential letter – Michael D Higgins’ first ever birthday letter as president.
In the letter, President Higgins wrote that he learnt of Jack’s birthday “with great pleasure”.
“I am delighted to send you my warmest personal congratulations and most sincere good wishes on this special occasion,” added President Higgins, before signing off “I wish you good health and happiness in all the days ahead”.
Jack was joined for his birthday celebrations by his daughter Angela and her husband Austin Kenny, Jack’s nephew Jim Gill, and friends Jimmy McNulty, Angela McCracken, John Callan and Michael Hoey.
Staff at the nursing home joined in with the celebrations and sang Happy Birthday to the man of the moment, while Jimmy McNulty accompanied them on guitar. And not to be outdone on his big day, Jack himself gave a fabulous rendition of The Galway Shawl before reciting a poem called The Boatman from Kildare.
Family members expressed their delight that Jack received the first birthday letter from Ireland’s newest president. And proudly on display on the day was a gift from former president Mary McAleese, which Jack received last year.