Ireland's oldest woman dies in Derry aged 107

Ireland's oldest woman died on Sunday at the age of 107.

Ireland's oldest woman died on Sunday at the age of 107.

Mrs Annie O'Donnell, a former schoolteacher, was born in Kilcar, Co Donegal, on December 8th, 1893, and spent most of her life in Burtonport. She died peacefully at the home of relatives in Co Derry.

Mrs O'Donnell was a life-long friend of the writer Peadar O'Donnell, who was born in the same year and area.

She completed her training as a teacher in St Mary's College in Belfast in June 1916, just months after the Rising in Dublin. She taught in a small school in Meenbanad, outside Burtonport, for 47 years until she retired in 1963.

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She is survived by five of her children: Eithne, Crona, Brendan, Kevin and Ciaran. Her husband James died in 1975 and her son Eunan died several years ago.

"She was a remarkable singer and teacher and I'm afraid we are poor substitutes," said Mr Packie Bonner, a retired teacher and former pupil of Mrs O'Donnell.

Mrs O'Donnell was born just months before the national maternity hospital in Holles Street was founded. Among the many historical events she lived through were the establishment of the Irish State and both world wars.

She was among the select group of Irish citizens who received the "Centenarian's Bounty" from the President when she turned 100, seven years ago. In 2000, all Irish people who turned 100 were presented with a medal commemorating them as witnesses of three centuries.

Her funeral will take place today in Kincasslagh, Co Donegal.

Ireland's oldest woman is now believed to be Mrs Annie O'Malley, who celebrated her 107th birthday yesterday with a special celebration at the Castlemacgarret Nursing Home, near Claremorris, Co Mayo.

Born in Ballinrobe in 1894, Mrs O'Malley has been widowed twice and has two daughters, and a son aged 82.