Birthday celebrations

Longlands resident Cassie Gillen celebrated her 103rd birthday last Thursday, July 18. Cassie was born in Ballycraigy and brought up in Greencastle.
Cassie Gillen celebrated her 103rd birthday with nephew Brian Rolston. INNT 30-427-RMCassie Gillen celebrated her 103rd birthday with nephew Brian Rolston. INNT 30-427-RM
Cassie Gillen celebrated her 103rd birthday with nephew Brian Rolston. INNT 30-427-RM

She was a weaver from the age of 14 before she and sister Maggie Rolston opened a community shop in Longlands in 1956. Cassie worked there until 1998. Cassie received a plaque from Newtownabbey council and a medal from the Irish President Michael D Higgins. She said the secret to a long life was milk with a nip of whiskey.

Councillors Thomas Hogg, John Blair and Billy Webb all offered Cassie their birthday wishes.