The Coronavirus lockdown has failed to stop 100th birthday celebrations going ahead complete with cake and some old school swing.
A crooner entertained party goers who looked on from their balconies as Pauline Kieran marked her special day at a South Belfast sheltered housing scheme.
Pauline, also known as Mary, lives at Clanmil Housing’s Blessington Court in the Rosetta area of the Ormeau Road.
Plans for a party were set in motion long before the pandemic, but looked set to be abandoned until the housing association stepped in.
Working with Pauline’s daughter Anita, the Clanmil team organised for swing singer, Harry McGarrity to entertain Pauline and her neighbours from the carpark in front of their apartments.
Harry has been volunteering his ‘socially distanced services’ at care homes over recent weeks, with a repertoire of songs from across the decades.
Clanmill says the Blessington Court neighbours were “able to safely enjoy the show from their patios and windows before watching on as Pauline cut her birthday cake”.
A slice was delivered to everyone’s front-door so they could enjoy a treat together.
Speaking after her party on Monday afternoon, Pauline said: “I’ve lived through a lot in my 100 years. There have been many ups and downs and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you just have to be take life as it comes and make the best of every situation.
"This virus and lockdown are just another bump on the road and I really appreciate how everyone has worked together to make sure I’ve still been able to have a lovely day. I’ve lived here at Blessington Court for the past 8 years and I’ve lovely neighbours. It’s been great to see so many of them enjoying the music.”
Daughter Anita O’Connor, added: “100 years is such a milestone and we were all really looking forward to celebrating with Mum. It’s been very hard for her and for the family that we haven’t been able to visit over the past weeks, and we hated the thought of her being on her own on such a special day. We really appreciate how Vicky and Linzi at Clanmil have rallied round and found a way to make this happen while everyone stays safe.”
Pauline was born in 1920 in County Louth, one of eight children, but moved to Belfast when she married, where she ran a bar and green grocers with her late husband Gerry for many years. The bar was in the Squires Hill area.
The couple had five daughters and also raised a nephew. Pauline has 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Speaking about the party, Linzi Webb, Good Relations Officer at Clanmil said: “When we heard about Pauline’s 100th birthday celebrations being cancelled we wanted to help. Self-isolation is particularly hard for older people like those who live at Blessington Court but it’s vitally important. At all of our older people’s schemes, co-ordinators like Vicky are doing what they can to make it a little easier for people.
“For Clanmil, the coronavirus pandemic has meant quickly finding new ways of working so that we can continue safely to provide great homes and the services that our tenants rely on. It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of Pauline’s big day.”
Singer Harry McGarrity volunteered his services to bring some birthday cheer to Pauline and her neighbours. He said: “To help spread a bit of joy is something that can’t be charged for during these times.”
