Centenarian Michael Breheny reveals longevity and a happy life come from hard work.
Michael Breheny from Drumderrig, Drumshanbo in County Leitrim was born in 1874. At the age of 100, he describes himself as a happy, contented man who has worked hard all his life.
Work has given his life a purpose. Michael Breheny believes if a person is physically able to work, they should do so. From his experience, work benefits physical and mental health.
Michael Breheny thinks people need to work to keep a circulation of money in the country. He has reservations about people taking unemployment benefit when they could be working,
It's only robbing the country.
He accepts the dole is an attractive option for some people,
There's too many men looking for the dole and won't work, of course you can't blame them getting it easy.
Retiring at the age of 65 is not for the likes of Michael Breheny. In his mid-90s he was still working during the harvest,
I used to put up 20 cocks of hay with a pitchfork in my hand.
Such an endeavour is no hardship to Michael Breheny. He is always happy to pitch in when he sees the opportunity,
I'd sooner be working than be idle.
If Michael Breheny had the chance to live his life again,
I wouldn't do anything only what I have done, no I'd have the work all the time.
This episode of 'Hall's Pictorial Weekly’ was broadcast on 9 October 1974. The reporter is Frank Hall.
Michael Breheny died on 13 March 1978 age 104 years.
The amusing and satirical series 'Hall’s Pictorial Weekly’ began on 29 September 1971 with the full title ‘Hall’s Pictorial Weekly Incorporating the Provincial Vindicator’. The show ran for nine series until 1980.
