Ireland's oldest woman has today celebrated her 109th birthday.
Without any fuss and in the company of her children, Nell Hynes from Coolderry in Co Offaly celebrated her birthday with mass in her home.
Fr Michael Enright, her cousin from Waterford, said the mass.
Her ten children, the oldest being 85 and the youngest 65, gathered to join in the birthday celebrations.
Ms Hynes attributes hard work to her long life.
She said she hopes to collect her tenth commemorative coin from the President next year so that she will have one to give each of her children.
The tradition by which people who have reached their 100th birthday receive a gift from the State of €2,540 and a special message from the President of Ireland, wishing them a happy birthday and congratulating them for their longevity, began in 1940 by President Douglas Hyde.
Since 1 January 2000, the President of Ireland has also marked the birthday of people over the age of 100 years.
On his or her 101st and every subsequent birthday, the person receives a special commemorative coin in a presentation box, along with a congratulatory letter signed by the President.
A new coin is designed for each year.
