Tuam’s matriarch, Maureen Hardiman, is 105

TUAM’S oldest person is celebrating her 105th birthday today. Sadly, because of Covid-19 restrictions, Maureen Hardiman will not be surrounded by her children and grandchildren at her home on Church View.

The eldest of six children, Maureen was born in Ennis in 1916 to Bridget Armstrong of Tulla, Co Clare and Patrick Grealish of Crusheen. Her father was a respected flute player and All-Ireland Champion dancer who was often called upon by Áras an Uachtaráin when dignitaries were visiting.

Maureen married Brian Hardiman when she was in her twenties. They spent the first eight years of married life in Castlerea before moving to Church View where they reared their seven children: Treasa, Ann, Frances, Liz, the late Pat, Mary and Tomás.

Read more in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops and online www.tuamherald.ie