One of Ireland's oldest citizens passes

THE death has occurred of Mrs. Elizabeth McGowan (Lizzie), one of Ireland's oldest citizens.

Lizzie was 104, having been joined by family and friends for her birthday celebrations in St. Brendan's Unit, Mulranny, two months ago.

Elizabeth (nee McMenamon) was born on Inishbiggle Island on October 10, 1912. Like many others from the area, she worked on the potato fields of Scotland.

She married her husband, Frank Sonny McGowan, in 1937 and reared eight children, and lived most of her life in Claggan, Ballycroy.

Following funeral Mass in The Holy Family Church, Ballycroy, today (Tuesday) she was laid to rest in Claggan Cemetery.