Celebrations in Ahascragh as local legend celebrates his 102nd birthday

AHASCRAGH is set to toast one of its oldest citizens this weekend when local man Frank Gleavy celebrates his 102nd birthday.
Frank, who has been living in the Nightingale Nursing Home on the outskirts of the village for the past five years, is the last surviving member of the Gleavy family, who were well known as farriers in the area.
His family ran the local forge for many years and Frank still remembers learning the art of blowing the bellows as a youngster.
“I was the second eldest of six, four boys and two girls, and I’m the only one left,” he said.
“My brother Tom passed away in 2006 and I stayed on in the home house for another few years until I moved here, which is my second home. I have good friends here and my neighbours and friends are regular visitors.”
Frank credits his longevity with the fact he never drank and despite being a smoker in his younger years, he gave them up after a short time.