When Ben Atkinson from Brannockstown celebrated his 100th birthday last Monday he had 'reached the suburbs of a century', Pastor Robert Dunlop told him at a Service of Celebration in St Vincent's Hospital, Athy.
A large group of friends and relatives went along to share in Ben's birthday, among them his brother Johnny and his sister Lizzie Minnion, as well as many nieces and nephews and their own children. Johnny himself will be 90 next month, and Lizzie is 94.
The service was followed by a party in the ward where Ben has spent the last couple of years. He was in very good form -- "only the eyesight is gone bad" -- as he accepted congratulations and the presentation of the President's cheque. He later sang and enjoyed the cake baked to mark the occasion in traditional manner.
Originally from Leaney, near Ardattin in County Carlow, Ben lived for more than three decades in Carnalway and Brannockstown with his late wife Alice. Their only son William was tragically killed in a motor accident in Castledermot while they lived in Carnalway.
Pastor Dunlop attributed Ben's longevity to a combination of his 'deep contentment' and 'positive outlook'. "You found a way of relating to people and spoke well of them," he said, adding that, when adversity came their way, how he and Alice bore William's loss with such dignity was an inspiration to all. "You have been a respected neighbour and friend ... and your quiet trust in God has brought you safely to this occasion."
Co-celebrants at the service were the assistant chaplain at St Vincent's, Rev Isaac Delamere; and the Dean of Kildare, Rev John Marsden. A New Testament reading was given by Helen Dreelan, Matron of St Vincent's. Music was led by Margaret Brennan of the Activities Team at the hospital. Kyran Dunlop, grandson of Pastor Dunlop, read a poem called 'One Hundred is a Lot'.
During the festivities, Ben recalled to me how he had often had a drink in The Hideout, in the company of people like the tailor Peter Curran, one of the many 'characters' around in those days. "He was a gas ticket," he laughed. "I'd go there for the gallery."
Before settling in Carnalway, in the Schoolhouse, Ben lived in various places in County Wicklow and in Clane. He and Alice later moved to Rose Cottage in Brannockstown, which is coincidentally now the residence of Robert and Olive Dunlop.
Brian Byrne.
