By Clodagh Nagle

“Be kind, stay grateful, and a have drop of brandy every night.” Those are the wise words of Lissivigeen man Neilly O’Sullivan who recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

Neilly grew up on a farm in Ballydesmond with his parents and three brothers - a very happy childhood surrounded by animals, fresh air and plenty of hard work. He has many fond memories of his parents. His father, a horse trainer, passed away when Neilly was 13. One of his favourite memories is of the times his father let the children ride the horses up the field. Fondly recalling his mother, he said: “I remember waking up early, our mother would have our breakfast on the table and the cows milked. She was a beautiful, hard-working lady.”

While he was good at school and was encouraged to attend college by his teachers, he opted to do a carpentry apprenticeship with O’Leary’s in Clounts. His mother bought him a 3-speed bicycle, and he cycled from Ballydesmond to Rathmore on a Monday morning, stayed in Rathmore until Saturday evening and cycled home to Ballydesmond again.

He made the big decision to emigrate to England at the age of 20 where he continued his trade as a carpenter. The most memorable project he worked on was the sea wall in Brighton. Neilly reflected: “That was a tough job, battling wind and weather. But it meant something protecting the land, helping build something that would last.”

He spent the next 15 years of his life in England where he met and married his wife, Teresa. The couple settled in Northampton and went on to have five children together. Teresa passed away a few years ago and Neilly still feels her absence daily. “I miss her every day. She was the heart of everything. We had a full and happy life, and I’m proud of the family we raised.”

For Neilly, family is at the heart of everything, and it remains his greatest achievement. He brought his family back to Ireland and settled in Lissivigeen where he built his own business. He has always taken great pride in his work which held deep meaning to him throughout his life. To him, it wasn’t just a job but a way of life. “Looking back, I’m proud of the life I built with my hands. It wasn’t always easy, but it was honest work, and it gave me a strong sense of purpose.

When he compares life back then and now, it amazes him at how the world has changed. Being able to video call his granddaughter Ava, who lives in Australia, is a cherished moment for him. “I can see her face, hear her voice in real time. I never would’ve imagined that when I was a boy on the farm. Back then, just getting a phone call was a big event.”

What advice would he give to younger generations? Stay educated, appreciate your family and always work as hard as you can. Neilly shared: “Educate yourself - that’s the foundation for everything. Take every chance to learn, whether it’s in school, through work, or just by listening to others. No one can take knowledge away from you. Take your time, work hard, be honest, and treat people with respect. That never goes out of fashion."

He continued: “Appreciate your family because they’re the ones who’ll be there when everything else fades. Don’t be afraid of hard work, but make sure you’re doing something that means something to you. Take pride in what you do, no matter how big or small it is.”

And his secret to 90 long, happy years? Neilly believes it’s all about keeping busy, working and hard and staying active. His late wife Teresa was a constant pillar of support in his life. Raising their children and building a life together is what brought him happiness and purpose.

Neilly concluded: “I didn’t need much to be content. A roof over my head, food on the table, and family around me that was enough. I tried not to worry too much. Life comes with its ups and downs, but you face them as they come.”

He celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by family, grandchildren and friends. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories as they honoured a man who touched so many lives with wisdom and kindness.

It was more than just a birthday, it was a celebration of a life well lived for Neilly and his family, who feel so lucky to share it with him.