Former bus driver gets his Covid-19 jab on 100th birthday

A former bus driver celebrated his 100th birthday in especially timely fashion last week - by getting his Covid vaccination.
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It was a very special day for Jack McKinney who added a jab in the arm to his legions of gifts, cards and well wishes.

Jack received the vaccination at the Mid Ulster Sport Arena at Tullywiggan.

On arrival at the facility he received an unexpected but lovely surprise when Dr Johnston and the staff of Cookstown Health Centre presented him with a cake and card to acknowledge his achievement in reaching his centenary milestone.

Cookstown man Jack McKinney with his daughter Jacqueline and Dr Johnston who is pictured presenting a cake and card to him to mark his 100th birthday when he turned up at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena for his Covid-19 vaccination.Cookstown man Jack McKinney with his daughter Jacqueline and Dr Johnston who is pictured presenting a cake and card to him to mark his 100th birthday when he turned up at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena for his Covid-19 vaccination.
Cookstown man Jack McKinney with his daughter Jacqueline and Dr Johnston who is pictured presenting a cake and card to him to mark his 100th birthday when he turned up at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena for his Covid-19 vaccination.

Jack will be remembered by many who travelled on the buses in the past.

He came to work in the County Tyrone town during the 1940s when he worked as a conductor on the buses.

The local man then became a bus driver when the Ulster Transport Authority were taken over by Ulsterbus.

He continued driving the buses in Mid Ulster district until his retirement after 42 years.

When asked how he felt about reaching this milestone and getting his vaccination he replied that he has been fortunate to enjoy good health.

“I have been blessed with good health all my life and a good family,” he said.

“It is now my time to keep my family and friends safe and what a better day to have this done.”

Jack would like to thank all those who sent cards, phoned the house or called outside to share his special day with him.

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