Ireland's oldest woman, 108, dies peacefully in Co Cavan

Bridget Tierney (nee Reilly), from Drumgore, Loughduff in Co Cavan, died "peacefully, in the tender care of her very devoted family" on Wednesday evening, February 28, according to a post on RIP.ie.

Born on July 5, 1915, Tierney assumed the title of Ireland's oldest living person last month following the death of Kitty Jeffrey, aged 109.

Tierney has been described by The Anglo Celt as "noble" and "much loved and respected in Loughduff, the wider Cavan area and further afield."

According to the Irish Times, Tierney, who never traveled outside of Ireland, credited her long life to "never eating anything out of a tin and always staying calm."

The impressive woman reared nine children and had an astonishing 30 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was pre-deceased by her husband Patrick in 1983, as well as two of her children, Vincent and Patricia.

Last July, her son Tom spoke to The Anglo Celt on the occasion of his mother's 108th birthday. 

“She’s as happy as Larry up there once she has the children around her," Tom said at the time. “She’s healthy and in great form."

Reflecting on his mother's long life, Tom said that “it was hard work with her all the time” - Bridget reared nine children while working on the family farm, which was not immune to "tough times."

Tom said that in more recent times, Bridget was looked after in her Loughduff home by him and his siblings, the wider family, as well as neighbors.

Bridget woke up each morning to a "good mug of tea," brought to her in her bedroom by Tom. She would then get up for some porridge, followed by tea and toast around 11. 

“Then she starts to pray,” Tom said.

Bridget would sit by her window and count the doves outside.

Tom said that among his mother's hobbies were reminiscing on the past and reciting poetry, her favorite of which is "A Noble Boy" written by Mary Dow Brine in 1878.

“It’s a poem she learned about a hundred years ago when she went to school,” he said.

Tom said he was "very proud" of his mother. 

“Everyone who comes in gets a kiss on the hand to say thanks very much," Tom told The Anglo Celt.

“She’s a little bopping angel that’s what she is,” he said.

The post on RIP.ie said that Tierney was "sadly missed by her adoring family."

Bridget will repose at her home in Drumgore on February 29, 5 pm-10 pm, and on March 1, 1 pm - 4:30 pm, "all welcome during these hours."

Removal to St Joseph's Church, Loughduff (H12F968), on Friday evening to arrive for 8 pm.

Bridget's funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 2, at 12 pm with burial afterward in the adjoining cemetery.