SPECIAL VISIT: Nell O'Mahony, pictured with staff from St Columbanus Nursing Home, had special visitors on Tuesday as her great-grandchildren called to celebrate her 99th birthday.

By Michelle Crean

Celebrations have been turned on their head in recent times with the limited social interactions possible – but that didn’t stop one Headford lady from spending time with family – as she marked her 99th birthday.

On Tuesday, Nell O'Mahony (nee Moynihan) was delighted to have visitors at lunchtime to St Columbanus Nursing Home where she resides, which included her eldest granddaughter Elaine Foley, and four of her five great-grandchildren, Elaine’s children, Ella (6), Callum (5), Nathan (3) and nine-month-old Clodagh.

However, due to the current COVID-19 restrictions they all had to look on from the outside as they wished her a happy birthday through the window.
And later in the evening other visitors brought cake and candles which were given to staff as they looked on from the outside.

“It’s tough that we couldn’t go in properly,” Elaine told the Killarney Advertiser.
“For family it was hard not to be able to go into see her, but what made it easier is that she is being so well looked after by the wonderful staff in there. She was in good form and is fully aware of the virus and the restrictions. She was recently moved to the window due to social distancing in the nursing home. When they visit, the children really perk her up.”

Nell was married to Denis O'Mahony and the couple resided in Mountrodger. Nell is a native of Headford and sister to the late John, Dan, and Labour TD Michael Moynihan. Nell is an avid Kerry supporter and looks forward to the GAA games returning and loves to listen to all the games on the radio.

“She has resided at St Columbanus for nearly four years where she is very well looked after by the excellent staff there and the family look forward to visiting her again in the home when it is safe to do so.”

Nell was asked on her birthday had she any advice to give her family and she replied to ‘go away home and be good', Elaine added.