Parish unveils bench for ‘precious’ centenarian

Cooley parish celebrated Madge Boyle’s 100th birthday by unveiling a park bench across the road from the house she was born in.

Fr Malachy Conlon PP Cooley parish, Co. Louth, described Ms Boyle as “a precious light in our community”.

Born September 12, 1921, Ms Boyle and her late husband Mike had nine children, 25 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

A spokesperson for the parish said Ms Boyle is “a well-known and much loved member of the Cooley community”.

“Her deep faith is an important part of her life and she always attended Sunday Mass – picking up her copy of The Irish Catholic on her way out – until the Covid-19 lockdown forced her to watch Mass from her home on the Church cameras,” the spokesperson continued.

Ms Boyle always took “a great interest in parish affairs and would willingly lend a hand helping at functions and celebrations”.

For many years she organised the Annual Cooley Parish Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine.