‘I was born in 1914 and started a war!’ says Larne woman ahead of 106th birthday

A Larne woman, who has seen two global pandemics and two world wars during her lifetime, will celebrate her 106th birthday this weekend.
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Jean McCullough was born in 1914, the year World War 1 commenced and four years before the outbreak of Spanish flu.

Ahead of her big birthday this Sunday (November 29), celebrations - in keeping with public health guidelines - have already commenced.

Jean lives in her own home but once a week attends the Northern Trust’s Gloucester Park Day Centre in the Co Antrim town where staff were delighted to mark her birthday, on Wednesday.

The Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, presented Jean with flowers and a card.The Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, presented Jean with flowers and a card.
The Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, presented Jean with flowers and a card.

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, also attended and presented Jean with flowers and a card.

When asked for a comment on the milestone, Jean quipped: “I was born in 1914 and started a war!”

She adds she has no bad habits, never smoked or had a drink and puts this down as her secret to long life.

Staff described Jean as an “amazing lady”.

Jean's birthday was marked at the day centre.Jean's birthday was marked at the day centre.
Jean's birthday was marked at the day centre.

Click here to read: Cake and flowers surprise for 103-year-old knitting enthusiast

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