Nell Hynes, Ireland's oldest person, dies aged 109

Eileen 'Nell' Hynes, recognized as Ireland's oldest person, has passed away at the age of 109. Ms. Hynes, born on December 15, 1916, resided in Cullenwaine, near Moneygall, in County Offaly.

She married William Hynes in 1939 and together they raised 10 children, born between 1940 and 1958. Her eldest child is now 85 years old. Ms. Hynes was also a grandmother to 30 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 55, with seven great-great-grandchildren.

In an interview with RTÉ News last December, celebrating her 109th birthday, Ms. Hynes shared the secrets to her long life, attributing it to "hard work and no smoking and drinking." She politely declined an on-camera interview, preferring to keep the significant milestone more private.

Ms. Hynes received a Centenary Bounty, including a gift and a signed letter from the President of Ireland, when she turned 100. She continued to receive a commemorative coin from the president annually. In December, she expressed a wish to reach 110 years old to collect her tenth coin, hoping to give one to each of her children.

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hard work and no smoking and drinking