Mona Beatrice Balfour turned 100 on Monday at Tilery Nursing Home in Fermanagh. Family members joined her for the event, including son-in-law Rodney Bleakely, granddaughter Louise Bleakely and brother George.

She received a letter from President of Ireland Catherine Connolly and a card from King Charles. Those present sang Happy Birthday to her.

Born in Drumalee, County Cavan, on March 9, 1926, Balfour grew up outside Kesh. She worked in a pharmacy as a teenager, where she met her husband Percy Balfour. The couple married in 1951 and moved to Lisnarick in 1957. Their house there is now occupied by granddaughter Louise.

Balfour later operated an antique shop in Enniskillen and Kesh. She also bred pedigree Yorkshire terriers and greyhounds.

Rodney Bleakely said Balfour attributed her longevity to having a small drink, though she has always been teetotal. Her brother George, aged 88, noted that she still refers to him as her baby brother.