Socially distanced birthday party for 100-year-old who says virus is ‘just another bump on the road’

The lockdown couldn’t stop residents of a south Belfast housing scheme from throwing an 100th birthday party complete with swing singer.
By Graeme Cousins
Published 20th May 2020, 12:26 BST
Updated 20th May 2020, 14:56 BST
A socially distanced celebration: Lockdown didn't stop neighbours at Blessington Court sheltered housing in Belfast celebrating resident Pauline Kieran's 100th birthday. Their landlord, Clanmil Housing made sure everyone could join the party while staying home and staying safe. The neighbours enjoyed a socially distanced show by swing singer Harry McGarrity from the safety of their patios before being treated to a slice of cake delivered to their front-doors. (L-R) Linzi Webb, good relations officer at Clanmil, Anita O'Connor, Pauline's daughter, singer Harry McGarrity and Clanmil scheme co-ordinator Vicki McCafferty watch as Pauline cuts her birthday cake. Picture by Brian Morrison.A socially distanced celebration: Lockdown didn't stop neighbours at Blessington Court sheltered housing in Belfast celebrating resident Pauline Kieran's 100th birthday. Their landlord, Clanmil Housing made sure everyone could join the party while staying home and staying safe. The neighbours enjoyed a socially distanced show by swing singer Harry McGarrity from the safety of their patios before being treated to a slice of cake delivered to their front-doors. (L-R) Linzi Webb, good relations officer at Clanmil, Anita O'Connor, Pauline's daughter, singer Harry McGarrity and Clanmil scheme co-ordinator Vicki McCafferty watch as Pauline cuts her birthday cake. Picture by Brian Morrison.
A socially distanced celebration: Lockdown didn't stop neighbours at Blessington Court sheltered housing in Belfast celebrating resident Pauline Kieran's 100th birthday. Their landlord, Clanmil Housing made sure everyone could join the party while staying home and staying safe. The neighbours enjoyed a socially distanced show by swing singer Harry McGarrity from the safety of their patios before being treated to a slice of cake delivered to their front-doors. (L-R) Linzi Webb, good relations officer at Clanmil, Anita O'Connor, Pauline's daughter, singer Harry McGarrity and Clanmil scheme co-ordinator Vicki McCafferty watch as Pauline cuts her birthday cake. Picture by Brian Morrison.

The socially distanced celebration was for Mary Kieran who lives in Blessington Court on Rosetta Way.

Mary, known as Pauline, was born in 1920 in Co Louth and became well known in north Belfast where she ran a bar and green grocers with her late husband Gerry.

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Plans had been laid before lockdown for a big birthday celebration with her neighbours, friends and family.

When those plans were put paid to by the coronavirus pandemic, Pauline’s landlord, Clanmil Housing, stepped in to ensure that everyone could still safely be part of Pauline’s landmark day on Monday.

Working with Pauline’s daughter Anita, the Clanmil team organised for swing singer Harry McGarrity to entertain Pauline and her neighbours from the carpark in front of their apartments.

The Blessington Court neighbours were able to safely enjoy the show from their patios and windows before watching on as Pauline cut her birthday cake. A slice was delivered to everyone’s front-door so they could enjoy a treat together.

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Pauline, who has five daughters, 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, said: “I’ve lived through a lot in my 100 years. There have been many ups and downs and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you just have to be take life as it comes and make the best of every situation.

“This virus and lockdown are just another bump on the road and I really appreciate how everyone has worked together to make sure I’ve still been able to have a lovely day.”

Her daughter Anita said: “It’s been very hard for her and for the family that we haven’t been able to visit over the past weeks, and we hated the thought of her being on her own on such a special day.

“We really appreciate how Vicky and Linzi at Clanmil have rallied round and found a way to make this happen while everyone stays safe.”

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Related topics:Belfast