Tommy Sherritt who will celebrate his 100th birthday in February relaxes by the fireside at Castlemanor nursing home. Photo: Adrian Donohoe.

Chilled out Tommy is all set for his 100th birthday

When I met Tommy and two of his three offspring, in Castlemanor Nursing Home where the birthday boy resides, I ask him what's his secret to long life and enduring health. "I never thought about that before," muses Tommy. I ask if it might be his relaxed temperament? "It is a strong help to me," he says. Born into a farming background in Newtowngore in Co Leitrim, Tommy became husband to his now deceased wife Alice Whittendale and they moved to Ardlougher near Killeshandra. Their three children Norman, Valerie and Cecil provided them with eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren so far. For more, check out this week's Celt...