Dungloe lady celebrates her 98th birthday with family

Well-known Dungloe woman Marie O'Donnell of 29 Main Street, Dungloe, aka Owenie’s Bar, is celebrating her 98th birthday this weekend. 

The Arranmore lady celebrated her birthday on Saturday, February 19. 

She was joined in the celebrations by her sons, Eugene and Barry, her daughters Mary and Ellen, her  grandchildren Kathryn, Owen Scally, Jack, Owen O'Donnell and Cian, Colin Charlton and Pat Scally and her sons in law and daughter-in-law Caroline.

Born on the lovely island of Arranmore, Marie was raised in Glasgow like many in the west of the county. She later worked in Chicago with her husband Owenie.  On their return to to Ireland they ran and owned a number of public houses, their last pub being Owenies Bar in Dungloe. 

Marie also ran a successful Bed and Breakfast and it is said that no one ever left hungry.  She had the pleasure to meet people from all over the world and some still stay in contact with her. Marie feels blessed that she is still able to live in her own home cared for by her son Eugene, daughter Ellen and wonderful home help that comes in daily, she delights in seeing them.

Marie loves singing and one of her favorite artists is Rod Stewart, she has been to see him many times.  She has a great love for people and their personal stories. She is an avid Agatha Christie fan and has a love of detective films and is also very partial to a Chinese meal.

Her secret to a long life is a positive outlook, hard work and singing. Marie is a very loving woman and she is very much loved by many.