A truly remarkable woman from Macken, Enniskillen, Bridget McCormack celebrated her 106th birthday yesterday, Saturday, in her own home where she still lives. 

Born on September 16, 1911, Bridget was born into a family of eight siblings, a daughter of Michael and Bridget Monaghan. 

At the age of 20, she met and married Owen McCormack of Clonliff, Macken. Owen was a local blacksmith and they made their home in Clonfane, Kinawley before later in life moving to a new home in Derryvran, Thompson’s Bridge, Enniskillen.

Bridget and Owen went on to have 13 children of her own, seven boys and six girls. Sadly one daughter Mary died in March 2011 which means she now has 12 senior citizen sons and daughters who visit with her regularly. 

Incredibly, she is the proud Granny of 57 children, great Granny of 102 and a great great Granny of one. 

One family member said: “There were no doctors present at the birth of her first nine children. Our memories of these special occasions was that of the arrival of a dainty and smartly dressed lady who parked her bicycle very carefully near the garden wall and politely took out this magical and mysterious little case from the basket on the back of her bike and then proceeded indoors.

“We sensed the end result of this exercise would be the arrival of another wee brother or sister who would add more joy to our simple but happy home,” said the family member.

Bridget remains a very forward thinking person who has great admiration for the youth of today and all the modern methods of the new generations. 

You won’t draw a smile from Bridget if you mention the crane crooks and black pots of years gone by. 

Indeed, Bridget’s family can now reflect on those precious and memorable years, content that Bridget can cuddle up in her own little bed surrounded by love and the scents and aroma of modern day candles and perfumery. 

Bridget is blessed to be still living at her home in Derryvran, being cared for by a group of very dedicated carers to whom the family are totally indebted.