Laois woman Breda Fitzpatrick celebrates 100th birthday with Centenarian Award

Centenarian Breda Fitzpatrick has become the first-ever recipient of the Laois County Council Centenarian Award.

Laois County Council, through Age Friendly Laois, officially launched the initiative with Breda’s ceremony yesterday, 5 March, in Council chambers.

The award celebrates and honours residents of Laois who reach the age of 100, recognising their lifetime of contribution to family, community and society.

Centenarians who receive the award are honoured with a commemorative coin designed to mark this extraordinary achievement.

Cathaoirleach Barry Walsh said it is a great honour for Laois County Council to recognise Breda Fitzpatrick as the very first recipient of the Centenarian Award.

“Breda’s life story reflects the strength, resilience and quiet determination of a generation that lived through immense change and helped shape the Ireland we know today,” he said.

“This accolade signifies not just a celebration of a birthday, but also recognises a lifetime dedicated to family, community, and meaningful contributions.

“Breda is a wonderful ambassador for this initiative, and we extend our warmest congratulations to her and her family.” Breda Fitzpatrick was born on 21 February 1926 in Greenville, Kilmacow, County Kilkenny. Her mother was from Greenville and her father from Waterford.

She attended the local convent school before travelling to England in 1943, where she lived with her aunt, a Mother Superior in the Dominican Order in Launceston. There, Breda completed her education and went on to train as a primary school teacher in Southampton.

After qualifying, she moved to Burnt Oak in London, where she worked in a Catholic school run by the Dominican Order, remaining there until 1959.

Like many Irish people of her generation, Breda found community and connection through Irish social life in London. It was at the Galtymore Dance Hall that she met her future husband, Bill Fitzpatrick. They married in Kilburn in 1956, before returning to Ireland in 1959 and settling in Farnans, Wolfhill, County Laois, where they raised a family of five daughters and two sons.

Breda and Bill built a full life together, marked by hard work, resilience and devotion to family. Bill sadly passed away in 2020, just two weeks short of his 95th birthday.

An avid reader all her life, Breda developed a deep interest in politics and current affairs, both locally and nationally. She continues to read the newspaper each day and has embraced new technology, learning to use a mobile phone and later upgrading to a smartphone. She remains a loyal listener to RTÉ Radio and has long enjoyed following sport, including GAA, soccer and rugby.

Speaking ahead the launch, Laois County Council Chief Executive Michael Rainey said: “This initiative is about celebrating people. Our aim is for centenarians and their families to feel truly valued and supported, ensuring they can mark this significant milestone in a way that is meaningful to them.

“Breda Fitzpatrick’s remarkable life stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a strong community spirit. It is a privilege to honour her as the inaugural recipient.” Breda’s daughter Clare Fitzpatrick said: "We, as a family are so proud as our mammy receives the first Laois Centenarian award.

“We are so privileged to have her as a constant in our lives for so long, a great mother and granny and great granny, known fondly now as 'Granny Fitz' by everyone - memories of a warm heart, a great love for each and every one of us.

“We look forward to seeing who joins mammy on Laois County Council's list of Centenarian Awards, a lovely initiative."

Sorcha Bradshaw, Breda’s granddaughter, said the family had celebrated Breda’s 100th birthday in Behan’s pub in Crettyard. There was approximately 100 people in attendance.