Mum, who would have thought it? 100 years today ! Not for you the President’s letter as you used to wonder if you get one, but 95 was a great age nevertheless.

Some things never got said verbally (and never would be !) but actions were more than enough – the additional tin of pears sneaked into my case / bottle of sauce when returning to Boarding school in Monaghan, the insistence on waiting in the car until the bus had left the depot in Derry in case there was any issues before it left, thumbing home on a dark ‘First Friday’ night from Letterkenny (without knowing my plans) in the wind and rain – the ‘pot of stew’ was always there on the fire even though you would have gone to Mass.

When going back to England, the standing by the door and somber walk to close ‘big’ gate and your last wave from the road and seen in the mirror – never went unnoticed but was never spoken of – it just wasn’t our style!

My “hometime” as I term my period in Tipperary, was the best as I related to you as an adult and saw the clever, industrious, organised and witty person you were – you WERE seen !

Thank you for making my girl and family feel so much at home and finally, in answer to your statement (when reflecting on life at 02:00 in the morning during one of our chats) – “Sure we had some good times as well Sean ?” – WE CERTAINLY DID INDEED MUM !

Happy Birthday Mum – to the ‘moon and back’ as they say !!!

Best, Sean xxxx

Mam , Seán and Debbie.