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Ireland's oldest person dies aged 108

Mary Coyne was a resident of a nursing home in Castlerea, Co Roscommon
Mary Coyne was a resident of a nursing home in Castlerea, Co Roscommon

Ireland's oldest person has died at the age of 108.

Mary Coyne, from Co Roscommon, was a resident of the Áras Mháthair Phóil Community Nursing Unit in Castlerea.

Eight years ago, she received the centenarian medal from President Michael D Higgins.

Interviewed by a reporter on reaching her 100th birthday, the mother-of-two, grandmother and great-grandmother, attributed her longevity to "taking life one day at a time".

Mary, whose maiden name was Griffin, hailed from the townland of Rathbarna near Castlerea.

She was predeceased by her husband, Roger, some years ago.

Her funeral mass will take place at St Patrick's Church in Castlerea on Wednesday.