Neighbours celebrate with Larry on his 90th
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Larry Leavy with his VW Beetle, the car he uses regularly in and around Mullingar.Image 2 of 9
Larry cuts the cake made for him on his 90th birthday.Image 3 of 9
Mary Austin, Rose Keogh, Larry Leavy and Mai McLoughlin.Image 4 of 9
Larry with friends and neighbours Carmel Raleigh, Deirdre O’Reilly, Ann Shaw and Anna Lovely.Image 5 of 9
Jimmy Muldoon, Dermot Lovely, Larry Leavy, Maura Nooney and Ellie Muldoon.Image 6 of 9
John Nooney, John McGrath, Larry Leavy, Larry McGrath, Matty Coffey and Tommy Nulty.Image 7 of 9
Mary Leonard, Eamonn Smith, Larry Leavy, Marty Coffey Snr, Eamonn McCormack and Kit Austin.Image 8 of 9
Patricia McGrath, Pauline Keegan, Larry Leavy, Declan Leonard and Mary Leonard.Image 9 of 9
Larry in his carThe community turned out in force to celebrate the 90th birthday of popular local man Larry Leavy in Clonkill clubhouse last week. Larry is a familiar sight in his striking two-tone vintage VW Beetle, which he exhibits at St Patrick’s Day parades, Mullingar Agricultural Show and at various vintage shows.
“He is big into his car and has had VW beetles all his life; he has the orange and cream one a long time,” said Marie Nea, who has lived beside Larry all her life.
She said Larry also plays the fiddle and can be relied on to take it to any party and play a tune or two.
Another neighbour, Declan Leonard, said Larry is “a lively, sprightly 90-year-old and in good health – you’d never think he is the age he is”. He described him as “a very honourable gentleman, very refined” and highly regarded in the community – “all the neighbours look out for him”.
“We decided we could not let the occasion pass without marking it,” he said. The neighbours organised the party in the Clonkill clubhouse.
Mary Austin made a beautiful birthday cake and other neighbours and friends supplied sandwiches and confectioneries. Larry is reported to have been “‘delighted with the day’”.
Larry has lived all his life at The Crooked Road, Balreagh, Mullingar. He and his late brother Tom worked for many years with the Land Commission, and Larry also did gardening work in the area.