Having lived through the Civil War and two world wars, John Lenihan who was born on October 16, 1913 in Lackendara, Anglesboro has seen many changes and on Tuesday last, the community joined together at a special Mass to mark the occasion of his 100th birthday.

The packed church and queues of cars which lined the village were testament to the impact John has made on those around him.

Fr Kelly celebrated Mass and spoke about John's sporting achievements over the years, which include winning two county medals and also his interest in farming, business and his family. John's grandson and namesake also read out the letter that his grandfather had received from President Michael D Higgins.

Patrick English spoke about how the local GAA clubs were lucky to have had people like John and Ned Durney who were so dedicated to the sport, that they sometimes ran to matches from a great distance away.

Cllr Eddie Ryan interviewed John recently for East Limerick Community Radio and he spoke of the creamery and church when John was growing up, as being focal points in the community, places where people could meet and chat.

John was also unique in that he had a brother of the same name, who had sadly died at the tender age of just four and a half and he was named after him.

In the interview, John told Eddie that life for him 'couldn't have been better - a very very happy life'.

Representing the Limerick County Board, Rory Kiely spoke of John's sporting achievements and how he had the honour of playing against the great Mick Mackey.

John's son Michael looked back fondly on his father's early years, from when he made his first few shillings with Paddy O'Donnell, disposing of unwanted kittens, right up to when he went to see his grandchildren play in recent sporting events and commended them for their academic achievements.

He spoke of his father's great passion for hurling and football, so much so that he used to cycle to Thurles, Limerick or Cork for matches until he bought a truck in the 1930's and could travel to the field in style, with himself and his two brothers up front 'and up to twenty people in the back'.

Presentations were also made to John on behalf of the community council and Galtee Gaels club.

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