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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
Mayo woman reveals simple key to ‘happy life' ahead of turning 102 this weekend after revealing biggest lifetime changes
ONE of Ireland's oldest women has revealed the secret to her "long happy life" ahead of turning 102 this weekend. Catherine Conway, a When Catherine was born, prohibition was still in full swing in the Catherine loves And she also revealed that her secret to living a long and happy life is simply "working hard". To celebrate the milestone of her 100th birthday Catherine had a large birthday party in a local hotel. READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS Around 150 people joined to celebrate with the beloved lady in Gullane's Hotel on the special day. In an interview with Midlands 103, Catherine reflected on the changes she has seen over her 102 years. In particular, the introduction of phones, computers and washing machines are the most significant changes she has noticed. She also believes that people, especially MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN She said: "I think everybody seems to have too much, and the same goes for children. "They end up with far too many toys and presents and everything. Top 10 Birthday Freebies "We never had anything like that. If you got something small, you would be happy. Maybe we would get maybe an apple or an orange or something in our stocking at Christmas." Now she prepares to celebrate this milestone over the weekend with friends and family. Earlier this week Sarah Coyle, Ireland's "oldest person", died aged 108. Sarah died on Monday, ten days before what would have been her 109th birthday. She is said to have died peacefully, surrounded by her family. Sarah, who was born on July 24 1916, in Knockatomcoyle, Co. At the age of 17, she moved to In 1957, Sarah would lose her sight at the age of 40 following a head trauma. 'SHE LOVED THE SIMPLE THINGS' Speaking with He said, "She was great with her hands and was great at laying guide wires in the garden. She loved plants and colours, "She loved the simple things." He notes that his grandmother could recall the Second World War which at the time was called "The Emergency". And that she could even remember the the Black and Tans and had clear memories of them and their distinctive uniforms. 1 Catherine Conway revealed the top tip ahead of her birthday Credit: Supplied
The Journal
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Harris 'not convinced' that dole increases should be in line with other social welfare payments
TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS has said that he would rather see further increases in public pension and other social welfare payments than the jobseekers' allowance in Budget 2026. Harris was asked in Dublin this afternoon if he was in favour of separating the dole from universal increases to social welfare payments in the upcoming budget. While seeking to refrain from discussing budgetary matters before negotiations, the Tánaiste said he was in favour. 'I do always think there is merit in not looking at social welfare payments with uniformity across the board.' Harris said that he would 'keep an open mind' about separating the jobseekers' allowance from future increases in social welfare payments. He added: 'I'm not convinced that you need to see as significant a rise in the dole as you do in the pension, for example, at the time where our country is at full employment, when there is lots of supports out there for people getting into work. 'When there are other supports out there for very many people who can't work for very many good reasons. That's my opinion. We'll thrash it out all that out at the time of budget.' Addressing recent debate around the earmarked increase in student college fees next year, Harris claimed that 'roughly €1.20 to €1.25 on every social welfare payment' is equivalent to government seeking to continue a €1,000 reduction. Advertisement 'Budgets are all about choices,' the Fine Gael leader said. 'They're all about balance, and there's only so much money in the pot.' Harris is not alone in this opinion within his party. Fine Gael's Offaly TD John Clendennen recently told local station Midlands 103 that he is opposed to increasing the dole at the same rate as pensions or disability allowances. College fees Earmarked increases in college fees took centre stage for a second day during Leaders' Questions in the Dáil earlier today . Public expenditure minister Jack Chambers did not provide clarity on the decision, despite being asked repeatedly in the chamber. Harris, a former higher education minister, claimed today that the only reason he didn't reduce fees on a permanent basis during his term was because there were only enough funds to introduce temporary measures. According to Social Democrats' deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan, families have been budgeting for reductions because the commitment to cut and abolish fees was included in the Programme for Government and election manifestos. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that parents and students need to know what they will be paying as a contribution fee at third-level facilities in the new term. Chambers largely repeated what he said yesterday, telling the TDs that the engagement around the issue remains ongoing and that higher education minister James Lawless will work to introduce more permanent reductions in the long-term. The government is endeavouring to avoid permanent public expenditure being dependent on temporary corporate tax revenue, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin said today. While there are significant uncertainties around what might transpire with US tariffs, Martin said it was important not to 'build up expenditure levels that are not sustainable'. With reporting by Christina Finn in Japan. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
