IRELAND was still under British rule when Rose O’Donnell was born in Donegal in 1917.

 

In her lifetime she has watched 18 American presidents and nine Irish presidents come and go, witnessed the rise and fall of fascism, survived two world wars and saw man walk on the moon.

 

It has been quite an adventure for the former shopkeeper from Fintown who celebrated her 101st birthday on January 18.

 

On Wednesday Rose was joined by friends at Gartan Day Centre to mark the occasion and where she was able to show off the medal she received from Michael D Higgins.

 

The daughter of Pat and Fanny O’Donnell, Rose was one of five children – four sisters and a brother.

 

She grew up to marry farmer and cattle dealer Bobby O’Donnell and they lived for many years above the shop they had on Letterkenny’s Lower Main Street.

 

The shop sold ice cream, confectionery and fruit and was a firm favourite with local children throughout the 1950s and ‘60s.

 

Rose was the driver in the family and it was no unusual sight to see Bobby directing her as she parked her red Mini.

 

When the couple eventually sold the shop and retired, they moved out to Crievesmith.

 

Bobby passed away in 1995 and for the last 14 years Rose has lived in a care home run by couple Frank and Jackie Deery.

 

On hand to help Rose celebrate her milestone in Gartan on Wednesday was her niece, Anne Murtagh.

 

She recalled going into her aunt’s shop as a young girl and being spoilt with ice cream and sweets.

 

“She has never drank but she loves her food,” said Anne.

 

“It’s amazing to think that she is 101 and the care she gets from Jackie is second to none. She lives with Jackie and Frank in Glencheo but it’s as if it is her own home.”

 

 

Jackie Deery was also there to help Rose blow out the candles.

 

“Rose is an amazing woman,” said Jackie.

 

“She is a very religious lady and a Pioneer her entire life. 

 

“For us she is just like part of the family. She has watched our boys go to school, leave home and have children of their own. She has been such a big part of our lives for so long and we just love her,” Jackie added.