Meath woman sends message of hope and resilience as she turns 107

A 107-year-old Co Meath woman has sent a message of hope, belief and resilience to the people of Ireland in the midst of the challenges facing them during the Covid-19 restrictions.

Nancy Stewart was born on 16 October 1913 and has experienced both the Spanish Flu (1918-1920) and the coronavirus pandemics.

At her home on the Meath/Westmeath border today, Nancy's family gathered to celebrate her birthday and hear her message of hope, which she has recorded.

Ms Stewart recorded the message with her granddaughter, Louise, to send out to thousands of people around the country who have been affected by the Covid-19 illness or the restrictions.

"Imagine turning 107 in a world pandemic," she said. "This definitely is something very unusual even for me and all I have been through.

"I live in Clonard in County Meath and have lived in my home for over 83 years.

"I write to you today to send you my love and to offer you my prayers.

"We are in a very difficult time at the moment in our country, in our lives and in our world. But I reach out to you in this letter to offer you hope, faith and belief that everything will be okay in the end."