MULLAN’S MAGGIE (MARGARET) MCQUILLAN IS A WOMAN IN A HUNDRED – IN FACT, IN 103

Born on February 27 2020, Maggie celebrated her 103rd birthday this week, receiving her third centenarian medal and letter of congratulations from President Michael D Higgins. When the Norther Standard called to see her Maggie was all smiles, and was delighted to have members of her family and visitors there to share her great achievement.

Née Kelly from Drumarell, Mullan, Maggie worked in Mullan Mills and met her future husband James McQuillan at a dance on the dancing deck at Ballagh Bridge. They were married in Ballyoisin and purchased a farm in Tullygoney, Tydavnet, where they farmed and were able to become self-sufficient while raising their family. It was a house where people went on a céilí and were given a warm welcome. James passed away in 1989 and their son, Harry, in 2011.

Maggie was a wonderful homemaker and was renowned for her soda bread and homemade food of all descriptions and was also a great lady to talk to. Now at 103 she has retained that ability to enjoy others’ company and is abreast with all that is going on, near and far – and has never lost that wonderful smile. We congratulate her on her birthday, which no doubt she will enjoy, and we wish her good health to enjoy the day and the months and years ahead.