Following a special Mass celebrated by Fr Art O’Reilly, famly and friends gathered in Foreglen for the landmark birthday of Willie George O’Kane.
Among those who attended were his children, Raymond, Irene, Marie, Gladys, Janice, Thelma and Betty, 23 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren.
One of 11 children, he was taken out of school at around 14 to help out his father on the farm. He later worked as a foreman scaffolder in London and with German company Hoechst Fibres at their factory in Aghanloo.
Willie George met his wife Gladys while they both out walking their dogs in Derry and it wasn’t long until Willie was regularly cycling from Foreglen to Derry to see her.
The couple were married for over 60 years, before Gladys sadly passed away ten years ago.
In his youth, Willie Geoge was a goalkeeper for O’Brien’s GAC in Foreglen and also enjoyed tug of war and bowls.
He enjoyed driving until he was 98 and is eager to get his license renewed and get back on the road.
He was also very active in tending to his garden well into his 90s..
Today he enjoys the “odd Guinness” and watching his favourite football team Manchester United on TV, although he feels the team’s standards have slipped since Alex Ferguson left.
The O'Kane family would like to thank everyone from the local community, their friends and neighbours for all the kind wishes, gifts and cards sent to Willie George.
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