ARE MADE OF THIS!
O
wen O’Reilly was born in Marino, Dublin on 9th April, 1925. His mammy and daddy welcomed his arrival, along with his brother Paddy, sister Rose and Gerard, who joined the O’Reilly family five years later. Seamus O’Flaherty was Owen’s school pal and both have remained good friends to this day. There were many significant events in Owen’s life growing up. One of the many stories he often recalled was of his Confirmation day. He had the beautiful suit but as the day progressed he became ill with abdominal pains? Now Owen always remembers the day he had his appendix out!! He often jokes that his parents got a refund on the suit that was barely worn!! Owen’s early employments varied and included the cycle up Howth Head, for Shield’s Butchers! This job was shortlived! The bicycle was stolen as Owen made a short stop at a shop! The most significant times in Owen’s work life were after he joined the Irish Press
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newspaper group. These were the times an ‘extra passenger’ accompanied Owen on his way to work! Yes Owen always loves “that he was chased by Lil!” Lil O’Brien was his one and only. Their courting days were wonderful and Lil and Owen married on 16th September, 1958. They were blessed with five children, Joseph, Mary, Ann, Thomas and Niamh. Childhood holidays were spent with Kitty and Paddy in Howth and Frank and
Maureen in Rush. Owen remained with the Irish Press for over thirty-five years until his retirement in 1985. Working day and night shifts in the machine room Owen witnessed many changes in the world of publishing media. Newspapers became part of his family life and coincidently Owen’s brother Gerard joined the Irish Independent Newspaper Group, and retired from the Irish Times newspapers many years later. Owen maintains his interests in newspapers to this very day and will still comment on print layouts or oversights and of course the newspaper must always be the ‘City Final’ edition! Owen enjoyed many activities and was involved with the Parish Choir in the Church of the Annunciation, Finglas West. He spent many happy times in his Bowls Club with Gerard and Tom and Frances. He enjoyed holidays away and made the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes with the parish for many years. As life went on and times changed Owen and the O’Reilly clan were blessed to have Betty and Mark Murphy in their lives. This is a special times to remember them and Lil and Niamh. Owen has the best two daughter-in-laws in the world, in his life. Two more special people that call him ‘dad’! Sure
Tina and Tara know all the best people come from Finglas! And it gets better! Owen has four wonderful, beautiful grandsons that fill his days with laughter, wonder and Joy. His immense pride in their individuality and talents increases every day. Thankyou Alan, Mark, Sean and Eoin for all the craic! Owen and the gang have been so fortunate with special people over the years that supported them in tougher times. The O'Brien and O'Reilly clans, far and wide, kept the spirit and energy of family alive. The Shaw family have been friends for many years and it is great to see that friendship and spirit emerge from a younger generation. Lynda and Reg have been there from the start...sure in all those old family photos there is sure to be a head or a
MAJOR WEATHER funny pose from Reg, somewhere among the O’Reilly gang, on those special occasions! How many people have their own personal hairdresser who tells the client when their cut is due? In thanks Owen employs a bartering system...he repays Lynda with a dozen of the finest, biggest hen eggs, and Elizabeth likes them too! Owen is so lucky to have so many other special people in his life! Edel, Carol and Lorna Murphy, and Betty and Mark’s grandchildren Heather and David who will always be special. He includes Ger and Terry there too! To Lorraine...thanks a million; to Sheila who adopted Owen as her dad, you are music to his ears! Thanks also to Carol for all the tellybingos! Special thanks also to Siobhan, Bernard, Larry and Martha for all you do. A special word of thanks also to the other Betty and her son David in No. 32; to Christy, Kathleen, Una, Lily, Peter and Tina, thank you all; as the song goes...’Everybody Needs Good Neighbours’!! In keeping with the changing times and Owen’s advancing technological skills in the use of his iPad, we have digitalised Owen’s special publication. Owen is indeed ‘a legend since 1925!’ Owen’s Oracle is for all his family and friends. So go on...enjoy it...and ‘Read all about it!’
WARNING!
M
et Eireann have issued a major weather warning for Saturday, 11th April 2015! A STATUS ORANGE alert will be in operation from noon on Saturday and continue into the early hours of Sunday 12th. An area of extremely high pressure can be detected in the West Finglas area of Dublin extending rapidly to the Blanchardstown region, with hot spots appearing in the vicinity of the Crown Plaza Hotel well into the evening!
It has been reported that the heat generated from the accumulation of flames from ninety birthday candles will cause extreme turbulence in the air mass index! High pressure rising rapidly will block polar air and the prevailing westerlies. A worrying wind squall, as the flames are extinguished, will be monitored with specialised equipment recently acquired by the meteorological services in Europe. The Dublin Fire Brigade will be on-site with all units on stand-by until Met Eireann downgrade this major alert. This is indeed a very rare phenomenon in the history of weather forecasting in Ireland. Studies in this field go back to 1925 when the first recorded incident of this kind occurred in the Marino area
of Dublin! Meteorology specialists worldwide have been unable to explain this atmospheric change that illuminate surroundings. A “short-fuse warning” which has been defined by the met office as ‘a local weather hazard of short duration’ is the only known description to this curious weather event. Meanwhile people in the vicinity of the Crown Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown, have been asked to be extremely vigilant of these developments until the temperature stabilises with good visibility for all. On a positive note meteorologists worldwide are confident that the outlook will be for a sunny disposition for all those in attendance and an extremely warm front that will only ‘melt your heart’! HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY OWEN!
OWEN’S ORACLE | 3
TO SHARE In preparing to BERNIE O’REILLY (Owen’s niece) celebrate y father Paddy used to be a cobbler when we Owen’s special were younger and mended the shoes of friends and family members from home! Owen birthday we dropped a pair of his signature black shoes in for My mother Maureen was lighting the fire received many repair. one day and couldn’t get it going??? Sometimes stories from she would even throw paraffin oil onto the fire to get it started. However this day she had run out of family and sticks and paraffin oil and guess what she found at the end of the wardrobe...???? Yes...she found a friends shoe and threw it onto the fire and soon had the blazing! recounting their fireNot long after that Owen came knocking on the door for shoes! My father nearly died because own magical he couldhis only find one shoe in the wardrobe?? My tales of Owen. father went out and bought Owen a new pair of shoes but I don’t think Owen ever found out what Those happened to his missing shoe! Bernie remembers another story: memories have When Owen and Lil were courting they used to us all (my brothers and sister) in turn, on a been take trip to the circus. I was picked more often than the reproduced to others? My father would sneak me out to meet Owen and Lil and Owen would collect me at the share with you. end of the road in his black car. It was only when I
M
got older that I found out the reason why I had more trips to the circus than the others!
Marie O’Reilly
Apparently, I used to laugh the loudest at the clowns! I thought Owen and Lil were laughing at the clowns with me but it turned out that they were laughing at me, because I was laughing so much, and they had so much fun watching me!! Bernie also remembers when Owen and Lil came to visit with their own children when they were small. They loved to watch Marie and herself bake buns, cream flans, and Victoria sponges. Owen and Lil used to say that they couldn’t wait ‘til Mary and Ann were able to bake cakes for them for their tea!!!
MARIE O’REILLY (Owen’s niece) – Our American Correspondent!
W
hen we were kids Owen and Lil took us for a spin in his car with my dad Paddy and we ended up in Wicklow. On the way back Paddy asked if he could drive Owen’s car home! Paddy ended up driving the car into a ditch!!!! We were left stranded for hours!!!! I want to take this opportunity to thank Owen for the eggs we got every year on Easter Sunday. Owen would 4 | OWEN’S ORACLE
Gerard, Bernie and Naomi out and about with Owen!
arrive with four eggs, one for Bernie, Pat, Seamus and myself. We all looked forward to them. It meant we all got two eggs on Easter Sunday, one from their mam and dad and one from Owen. They were wonderful times! Bernie, Marie’s sister, remembers another story: Owen, Lil and Paddy went to the beach one day with all the
kids and they all had a great time splashing about in the water. Later when Marie, who was about six years old at the time, was trying to get dressed struggling with her towel, she noticed another girl standing nearby looking in her direction. Marie turned to her and asked her “Are ye gawkin?” She walked off and Owen fell out of his standing with the laughter!!!
BETTY MURPHY
B
etty Murphy was Lil’s best pal and in turn became Owen’s very special and best friend. They did lots of things Betty and Owen
together and most of it involved Joe, Mary, Ann, Thomas and Niamh and especially Niamh!! Betty and Owen were often seen driving together, chatting at doorways, doing messages for each other, Betty cooking Owen’s favourite meals and generally spending lots of time together!! Nothing strange about that you might think, and especially in those days it was good to have a good friend especially as Owen was rearing five young children on his own. Well he wasn’t really on his own as Betty was there every step of the way.
Oh did I fail to mention that there were three people in Betty’s marriage. Betty had a husband, Mark!! And Betty had other children, her own Edel, Carol and Lorna and of course Jet the dog!! Betty and Mark
Breaking News...Breaking News...
Edel, Lorna and Carol
Children Traumatised! David and Heather, Betty and Mark’s grandchildren say that they are severely traumatised!! Why? Because their nana had a boyfriend! Not only did she have a boyfriend but their grandad was Owen and Heather okay with this!!! Their encounters happened in broad daylight!! Owen would call to Betty’s door and they would spend a lot of time talking together while their granddad
David and Owen
E
DEL, CAROL and LORNA MURPHY, Betty’s biological family, as opposed to her adopted ‘O’Reilly bunch’, always remember Owen being there. The O’Reilly family have been there as long as the Murphy clan.
was inside and he never said a word! They are more than traumatised!! David and Heather remember Owen bringing the newspaper to their nana and grandad every day. Sometimes they would talk for ages at the door or the gate and leave two starving children inside! Oh they are so traumatised in many ways!! Nevertheless David and Heather want to wish their nana’s boyfriend a very happy birthday and they remember their nana and grandad in a really special way today. XX
EDEL: I remember Owen coming home from work in the Irish Press, walking up the road in his overcoat and shirt and tie. I knew then it was time for tea! On Good Friday I would cook eggs and chips for Owen and all the O’Reilly’s and I remember they all enjoyed them. Thanks Edel, and when did you stop that tradition??? LORNA: I have memories of calling down to Owen to get help with a chimney fire! Owen came up and made it worse by putting newspaper in front of the fire. The room filled with smoke and Owen then told Ger to ring the fire brigade!! CAROL: I remembers Kathleen Keogh and Mrs Walsh having a chat one day. Mrs Walsh “I wonder why Mrs Murphy and Mr. O’Reilly don’t move in together, instead of running between the two houses!!? Kathleen...“I think Mr. Murphy might have a problem with that? Mrs Walsh...“What, there IS a Mr. Murphy?” Owen was Carol’s personal driver and also remembers him as ‘her mammy’s boyfriend’! OWEN’S ORACLE | 5
MAGICAL MEMORIES TO SHARE... Holidays in Courtown, Co. Wexford - 1975
Owen and Mary
MARY
O
ne of the stories that I remember about dad happened when mammy was sick in hospital. Dad decided to buy new trousers! The trousers were too long and as usual he went to Betty to have them altered. Once the hem was cut and the trousers altered dad changed his mind and decided that he didn’t like them anymore! So what does Dad do...? He returned the trousers to the shop and ‘got a full refund!’ But the story doesn’t end there!
Lil and Owen
Sometime later dad and Joe returned to the same shop to buy more trousers. The shop assistant was helping him to choose when he picked up the original pair of trousers that dad had returned. He held them up and said: “gosh these trousers must have been made for a
I
remember Niamh opening the door to me one day and trying to be serious and not to laugh, which was a very hard thing for Niamh to do!!! You see dad had broken his false teeth and this was indeed a very serious matter that had to be treated as such. I walked into the sitting room to be confronted by dad who was very serious looking and concerned about his awful situation! He took one look at me and Niamh and said: “You told her?” I burst out laughing and sure then dad joined in too! Niamh was at last able to be her funny self, and let out the shrieks of laughter!!
ANN
Owen and Ann
V I E W G X F W P F Y W S F
Q L L Y I C E R D L A C X A
R A T Z N I F C U A F A S M
N U N D S V I H O C L U M I
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H G E N P G L A R I G C I L
R H G I I E F R P G K Q L Y
L G H K R Q O M E O D K I T
V E N O A G L I R L L D N I
Z S W E T S L N J O B E G M
Y E F I I M U G N N M V F E
N R W W O E F E F H V O L L
N H I P N W W V N C H L U F
U F A Y A P D E U E N Q I Z
F Y B X L U G D B T D O M M
WORDS DESCRIBING OWEN CHARMING FAMILYTIME FULLOFLIFE FUNNY GENTLE INSPIRATIONAL KIND LAUGH LOVED PROUD SMILING TECHNOLOGICAL
midget!” He looked at dad and laughed and dad apparently joined in the conversation and agreed with him! Dad then paid for a different pair of trousers and left! We often wondered if they ever did sell those trousers! Needless to say it gave mammy lots of laughs when dad and Betty visited the hospital that night! Mammy could not believe that dad had been that brazen! Oh the thing’s one has to do in the name of fashion!! When I stated nursing I had to get to work one morning as it had snowed heavily overnight so I decided to walk there. Because dad is dad he got up early and walked almost all the way to Fairview with me as it was still very dark. I was in my 20’s at the time but that didn’t matter. Dad kept me company and knew then I was safe. So thanks Dad!
❝
To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world!
❞
Joe, Tommy and Owen
JOE
I
drove a motor bike in my early twenties and I don’t think dad approved. Of course the day came when dad was at work and I had a ‘little’ accident and fell off the bike. I sat on the kerb as Christie told Kathleen what had happened. Kathleen told me to put the bike under the window and say nothing? Of course she did not know about the awful pain that I had in my arm? So I said nothing as the pain got worse and waited until dad left for work the next day to have it sorted. At the Mater Hospital I was told my arm was broken and that I needed a plaster of paris. I was more concerned about ‘what dad would say’ than the broken arm! But I had no need to worry about ‘what he would say’, because once he had heard it had happened the day before, he said nothing! In fact he said nothing to me for three whole days! I don’t think I knew which was worse; the silent treatment or the yell that I didn’t get! Needless to say, I had learned my lesson and my ‘Harley Davidson’ days came to an abrupt end!!
TOMMY
D
eclan and Tommy were the best of pals! Sometimes some ‘bold boys’ on the street would mess with our garden gate by swinging on it or even taking it off the hinges? One night this bold boy was Declan?? He took the garden gate off and after ‘acting the maggot’, TRIED to put it back on its hinges! But it wouldn’t work, and no matter what Declan did he could not get the gate back in its place! Declan got fed up and threw it into the nearby field! His conscience must have got the better of him because the next Above: Declan and Tommy as youngsters and below: morning Owen looked out to see when they grew up??? Now that’s questionable!! Declan struggling with the garden gate and eventually getting it back in place. Owen said to Tommy, “Ah isn’t Declan great, somebody must have taken the gate off during the night and Declan is putting it back on, he is very good! Now do you think Tommy told him the truth? Well you know now Owen!!
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MAGICAL MEMORIES TO SHARE... Michael, Owen and Irene
IRENE KILBRIDE (Owen’s niece)
Our Leeds Correspondent!
I
n 1952, when I was about eight years old Lil, Owen and myself went to Glasnevin one Sunday afternoon. I had one shilling spending money. I can only think that we had gone to Carmel’s grave, Lil’s little sister, who had passed away in 1948. On the way back we stopped at a little sweet shop near the Tolka Bridge. I was parched and asked Lil and Owen if I could buy an ice lolly. Of course they said “yes”, and instead of me just buying one, I bought three, one for each of us! Lil and Owen’s faces were a picture when I handed them a lolly each. They were mortified beyond words! Adults would not be seen eating anything in the street in those days. So Lil and Owen stood facing the shop window pretending to be looking in at the wares and trying to lick the lollies so fast to get rid of them! We’ve had a laugh over the years when Lil would say: “Do you remember Irene Dunne when you bought those ice pops for us in Glasnevin”? Lil laughed many times especially telling the story to nannie and pop. Anne, Irene and Owen
It may not be funny by today’s standards but it was a hoot back then. It was so lovely to see Lil and Owen walking along in their own beautiful world on that sunny Sunday back in 1952 – another world away from today’s chaos. My first meeting with Owen was at nannies with Lil. He was always immaculately dressed and the hair ‘Brylcreamed’, and his lovely smile and shiny shoes! He always called me ‘Ureen Dunne’!! I remember his first car, we all piled in for a spin and I bragged to everyone that we had been to Dunsink Observatory. I felt very learned and cultivated that day with the feeling I had been all around the world in Owen O’Reilly’s car!
ANNE DUNNE (Owen’s niece)
I
remember Lil, Owen, Joseph and Mary coming to ‘117’ on St. Stephen’s Day. After tea, when they were getting ready to go home, they looked out to find that it had snowed BIG TIME! It was too bad to travel so mam (Kay) got dad (Tommy) to go upstairs and get a mattress! Michael, Joseph, Mary and I settled to sleep on the mattress on the floor. There was no sleep though as we spent the whole night singing ‘Are You Happy in Your Nappy?’!! I also remember that after every visit, Mam always said: “That Owen is a gentleman, he always wears gloves, and that’s a good sign!”
HELEN SHAW (Owen’s niece)
O
wen was always Rose’s little brother and she looked after him when she could, extending her support and love particularly when Lil became ill and passed away. I remember as a child how very difficult and sad this was, and as the years went on, how brave and resolute Owen was in holding everything together. His strong sense of faith sustained him particularly when he also lost Niamh. Helen and Owen Owen, for me is brave, strong in terms of endurance, kind, gentle and warm. His spirit of family love kept his family together and united and I have always admired him for that.
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KITTY DUFFY (Owen’s niece)
K
itty recalls staying in nanny O’Brien’s one day when she was young girl. Owen and Lil were going out together at that time. Kitty opened the door leading into the hall where Owen and Lil were standing. Kitty asked: “what are they doing out there?” She got a belt from nanny O’Brien and was told to “shut the door and mind your own business!” Little did she know that years later she would be standing in their hall in Finglas doing the very same thing!! Owen and Kitty
Owen and Tina
TARA (Owen’s other fantastic daughter-in-law!)
H
ope you have a fantastic night dad. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for welcoming me into the family all those years ago. I couldn’t have asked for a better father-in-law. You are always so kind and caring dad. I remember when myself and Tommy had Sean you became the best ‘hands-on grandad’ ever! You were always there when we needed a babysitter; you would sit for hours playing with Sean.
TINA (Owen’s fantastic daughter-in-law!)
Tara and Owen
I
n 1984 I remember dad arriving down one morning to collect me for work and walking up the path with ‘Rupert the Bear’. Joe had been on a holiday with the lads and brought it back, but got his father to deliver it!! The bear was so big you could hardly see dad behind him!! I had my own chauffeur those days as dad brought me to and from work. He would wait in the carpark at Mountjoy Square in the evenings for me. He would just sit reading his Evening Press until I arrived. I always remember Mary’s 40th Birthday in Paris. Dad sitting in Eoin’s buggy and Joe took him for a little spin! It was so funny. Tara and I wet ourselves laughing and he was loving it. If you don’t believe me, I have the photos to Joe and Owen prove it!
Lily, Tina and Tricia
Even when Sean got older you taught him how to play draughts and you would sit for hours together...I loved watching you both.
ABOVE AND BELOW: The younger and older Sean playing draughts with his grandad
An animated birthday greeting grandad Love Sean xxx
You are always up for a laugh dad, even dressing up at Hallowe’en, that was a ‘Class Act’!! You are ‘One in a Million’ dad. We are all so lucky to have you. Enjoy your night, love you so much, Tara (your favourite daughter-inlaw Ha! Ha! Only joking Tina)!
LILY AND TRICIA (Owen’s friends)
L
ily, Tricia and their families first met Owen at Tina and Joe’s engagement party in 1984 and have been friends with the O’Reillys ever since. Lily remembers Owen as a gentleman having great time for his family. Tricia’s first impression of Owen that night was that he was very friendly and very happy for Tina and Joe. Turns out Tricia’s first impressions were right! We won’t go into the other stories from that night...that’s for another day...but as Lily and Tricia said: “Ask Tina!” Do Lily, Tina and Tricia have a story to share – Ask Tina??
OWEN’S ORACLE | 11
MAGICAL MEMORIES TO SHARE... Alan, Owen and Mark
ALAN
I
remember being in grandad’s house when I was about three. We used to tell a story about three brothers called Mark, Alan and Take My Hat! The story would end with ‘Take My Hat’ being the only brother left. I remember grandad wearing my little green cap, and when I had finished telling the story I’d say: “Who was left, who was left grandad?” When he’d say: “Take my hat”, I’d snatch the hat off his head! I remember he used to always pretend to take a while to answer as if he was trying to figure it out and I’d stand there eagerly waiting to take the hat off him!! These are great funny memories to have!
MARK
G
randad used to play a game where he would shake your hand and say: “Hello, my father works in the G.P._, and then squeeze your hand to make you say ‘Oh’! But most of the time I think I said ‘Ahh’! When I was younger I always thought granddad was very protective of the pens he kept in his jacket pocket, and I was nervous to ask for one if I was ever drawing or writing something! I wouldn’t think twice about it now and grandad always twists the pen before he gives it to you so it’s ready to go!
Alan, Owen and Mark
❝
Get on your knees and thank God you’re on your feet!
❞
Gerard and Owen
GERARD (Owen’s brother)
Owen and Eoin
“Yes grandad...you should have gone to SpecSavers!” 12 | OWEN’S ORACLE
D
id you know that Owen could be very stubborn as a child?? One day his daddy was busy painting and asked Owen to “go to the shops”. Owen said “no”? His daddy said, “What did you say” while giving him a slap across the back of the neck! That was the day Owen went to the shops with green striped paint on his neck and Gerard was told to go with him!!
BETTY & DAVID TANSEY (Owen’s neighbours)
O
Back: Christopher, Jackie, Sharon and Eileen; middle: Niamh and front: David...all having ‘High tea in China cups’...in the coalshed!
n a hot afternoon one Summer I remember Owen sitting out in the garden. David was a young child at the time and had gone to the shop for an ice pop. On his return Kathleen Keogh asked David for a lick of the lolly but David refused...he was keeping it all to himself! Not to be put out by a rejection from the young ones Kathleen decided it was time to open the champagne (as you do on a sunny afternoon!). Owen accepted the offer of a glass and then another! Needless to say ‘legless’ was not the word! The story goes that maybe it was just to test himself, that Owen took the car for a spin around Barry Park. But he quickly parked it and went inside without saying a word to either of us! Betty remembers Kathleen having many a laugh as they recounted these memories over the years!
‘Graduating from the University of Life with First Class Honours’!
ANNA & LOUISE (Tom’s daughters)
O
DOES IT SUIT?? Find out at
LOUIS COPELAND’S Capel Street, Dublin
Tell them ‘Owen’ sent you!!!
ur dad Tom Daniel was Owen’s bowls buddy and church choir pal. They were friends for many years and as our mam Frances played bowls too...the three of them were often seen together. They also travelled to Lourdes for many years as part of the Church Pilgrimage each August. They had many good times and lots of laughs along the way. When dad was in hospital they both had many chats. On one occasion he spoke to Owen about the fact that his dentures were becoming loose and he was finding it difficult to eat and could not enjoy his meals. Owen had the solution? He shared his story and the next day brought in the products that he used. Owen proceeded to help dad apply the solution and just for good measure applied two coats! Owen and Mary left with Owen apparently happy with his good deed...!! The ‘cement’ had only settled when dad’s mouth became uncomfortable. The only Owen, Tom and Frances on the way to bowls solution was to remove the dentures! This was the moment that dad admitted to muttering many things under his breath! Many gadgets and appliances were used to prise away the dentures, until a crack eventually appeared in Owen’s handiwork! All was well again. Owen did not know how to react when dad told him the story and as dad could not be serious for too long it was no length before both of them were having a good laugh about the situation. Dad joked about not taking Owen’s advice again but it didn’t stop Owen from giving ‘suggestions’ when needed. We still remember these times with much fondness and always have a good laugh ourselves at the ‘denture story’! Thanks Owen! OWEN’S ORACLE | 13
Birthday To Owen, Have a wonderful night: To do all you have achieved, To turn out such a warm and loving family; You are an inspiration to us all. Lots of love from Kitty, Paddy & family xx * * * * * Happy Birthday Owen, Enjoy your special night from Bernie John & family xxxx * * * * * American greetings Owen from Marie, Tommy and gang. You were always good to us as kids! Wishing you the very best of birthdays, enjoy your night!! * * * * * Happy 90th Birthday! We know the road has been long, with many unexpected twists and turns, but we hope that the rest of your journey is filled with laughter, joy and sunshine. Edel & Ger xxx * * * * *
Happy 90th Birthday Owen! Love Lorna & Terry X * * * * * Wishing you a very Happy 90th Birthday and good health for the future. From Tricia, Peter & family. * * * * * To Dear Owen Wishing you lots of love, luck and laughter! Have a great night. Cheers! Love Lynda & Reg xxx * * * * * Happy Birthday to ‘Nana’s boyfriend!’ From David & Heather xx * * * * *
To Owen Wishing you a birthday full of health and happiness, Best Wishes The Crowther Family * * * * * Greetings from Down Under! ‘Have a great night Owen’ We will raise a glass for you!! Lots of love and best wishes Alan, Audrey, Laura & Robert xxxx * * * * * Have a great night Owen Love Sally xx * * * * * Here’s to a cheer on your 90th Birthday Owen! Best Wishes Tom & Brendan * * * * * To Owen Wishing you a very Happy 90th Birthday, Best Wishes from Declan, Annette, Julieann, Mark & John * * * * *
BIRTHDAYS ARE A GIFT FROM GOD Where does time go in its endless flight? Spring turns to fall and day to night, And birthdays come and birthdays go, And where they go we do not know... But God, who planned our life on earth And gave our minds and bodies birth, And then enclosed a living soul With Heaven as the spirit’s goal, Has given man the gift of choice To follow that small inner voice, That speaks to us from year to year, Reminding us we’ve naught to fear For birthdays are a stepping stone To endless joys as yet unknown So fill each day with happy things, And may your burdens all take wings And fly away and leave behind Great joy of heart and peace of mind... For birthdays are a gateway to An endless life of joy for you If you but pray from day to day That He will show you the truth and the way.
Happy Birthday Owen I am glad to know you as my Uncle. Have a brilliant night. Anne xx * * * * * Happy Birthday Owen Reaching the furthest of all your siblings!! Helen xx * * * * * Happy 90th Dad Love you lots - Like Maltesers! Tina xx * * * * * Enjoy your 90th Birthday! Good health and happiness Love Lily & family & all the Ward Clan! * * * * * Grandad Wishing you a very Happy 90th Birthday, Have a great night! Lots of love always, Mark, Alan, Sean & Eoin XXXXOOOO * * * * * To Uncle Owen Love and Best Wishes on this very special day! Rita, Brendan, John & Emma xxxx * * * * * Greetings and Birthday Wishes from Noel & Angela * * * * * Happy Birthday Owen, Have a great night From Anna & Louise xx * * * * * Congratulations on reaching this amazing milestone. Happy 90th Birthday Love always Carol x * * * * * To Owen Happy Birthday, From Betty & Family xxxxx * * * * *
Greetings “La Breithe Sona Duit” a Owen From Siobhan, Frank & Emer xxx * * * * * Cheers Owen! Have a great Birthday, Liam, Lorraine & Leanne * * * * *
To Owen Adam is offering to help blow out the candles!! Have a great night! David, Susan, Dara & Adam xxxx * * * * * Best Wishes Uncle Owen Lillian, Philip & families. * * * * * Uncle Owen You have been there all my life and I thank God for you. Have the most wonderful birthday of all time surrounded by all who love you! God Bless You Our family Patriarch. Irene & family in Leeds xx * * * * * Best Wishes from Tommy, Victoria & all the Derwin family. Have a great birthday xx * * * * * Have a great night and a great year ahead! From Veronica, Vincent & Niamh x * * * * *
Happy Birthday Owen We owe you that pint soon! Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and a fantastic year ahead. Love Cathie and Barbara xx * * * * * Happy 90th Birthday Dad Enjoy your night. Love you so much Tara xxx * * * * * To Owen Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Have a great night! Wanda, Alfie & Wanda * * * * * Have a good one Owen! From Willie, Edith, Marie & David. * * * * * Birthday Greetings from Willie, Edith, Marie & David * * * * * Thanks for selling us our first car Owen!! Time to make more memories! Have a great night. You well deserve it! Love Brian, Susan & Gang xxx * * * * * Happy Birthday Owen From Christie & Family * * * * * Birthday Wishes Owen from Tina, Peter & all at No. 26 * * * * * Well Owen It’s a long time since our schooldays! Lots of changes so we really must write that book! You got there before me anyway! God Bless You on your special Birthday From Seamus, Yvonne & family * * * * * Best wishes and Happy Birthday from Maeve, Mary, Rosemary
Owen, The Harley is available… at a price!! We can negotiate? Liam & Fran! * * * * * Happy 90th Owen Best Wishes from David, Linda & family xx * * * * * To Owen Congratulations on this very special night, Allen, Caroline & family. * * * * * Happy Birthday to my ‘Adopted Dad’! Best Wishes Owen Love Sheila xxxx * * * * * Wishing you a very Happy 90th Birthday, Owen. Hope you have a fantastic day and night! Bernard, Jeanette & Hannah. * * * * * Sorry we cannot be there Owen, Hope you have a great night. Happy Birthday Larry & Martha. * * * * * Wishing you every blessing Owen on this very special occasion! Clare, Fergal & Family * * * * *
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Owen Mr and Mrs Gaffney * * * * * To Owen, Happy Birthday Hope you have lots of luck in the lotto! Gerard * * * * * Best wishes and Happy Birthday from Maeve, Mary, Rosemary * * * * * Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Owen! * * * * * Best Wishes and Congratulations Owen on this very special Birthday Danny, Tricia & Family * * * * * Congratulations Owen! Elsie, Pat & Family * * * * * You are sure to have a great night, Scouts promise! Have a very Happy Birthday Valerie & Greg * * * * * Happy 90th Birthday Owen from Eileen, Vincent & Family * * * * * To dear Dad, Congrats on reaching the big ‘Nine O’! Wishing you the very best on this very special occasion. Thanks for everything Dad Lots of love always, Joe, Mary, Ann & Tommy xxxx
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