Ireland's oldest woman dies at 108

The death has occurred of Ireland's oldest woman.

The death has occurred of Ireland's oldest woman.

Mary Kate Byrne, a resident of Maganey, Co Kildare, passed away today aged 108, according to KFM.

Also known as Poppy, she was born on August 14th, 1904. Áras an Uachtaráin had confirmed last year that Ms Byrne was the State's oldest citizen.

Ms Byrne was often visited by members of her family – sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren among them – along with friends who called in frequently.

She was said to keep her mind active by reading a newspaper every day and had remained in good health, despite a daily fry-up. She put some of her longevity down to avoiding processed foods, biscuits and alcohol.