Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Happy 90th Birthday Dad!

For the month of March I have been taking a break from blogging, but I cannot let the month go by without paying tribute to my wonderful Dad Joe who is 90 years young today. Born on 31st March 1931 in Dublin, he has lived all his life near Carnew: first in Tomacork before moving to Ballingate in 1960. Despite the Lockdown, he is keeping in great spirits and has not lost his sense of humour or love of music and singing. What a pity we cannot celebrate with a big party - no doubt we will be able to get together as a family later in the year.

Here are some photos of Dad over the years:


Tomacork, c1933.

With sister Breda, and brother Pat.


Joe, Breda, Pat, Charlie, Mary, and Eileen O'Loughlin ( Tomacork, early 1950s).

Mid 1950s.

The Mikado - Gorey Musical Society 1956. Dad at centre of front row
(and Mum 3rd lady from left in second row).

Joe and Phil Engagement, 1957.

On FCA parade for the Séamus Wrafter monument unveiling in Enniscorthy, 14th Sept 1958.
Dad is under the letter "J" on the shop sign.

22nd October, 1958.

On stage with the late Pat Sheppard (HMS Pinafore).

O'Loughlin family gathering in Ballingate (1977).

Dad with grand-daughter Claire - new Oak Tree plantation, Ballingate (1995).


40th Wedding Anniversary (1998).

75th Birthday Party (2006).
With Joseph, Brian, Kathleen, Eugene, and Phil O'Loughlin.


With Mum and the late Pat Sheppard (2007).

The Farmer's Journal, 10th December, 2016.

Three Joe O'Loughlins! (2011)


Still working - 1st March 2021


Dad and I in the yard at Ballingate (1st March 2021)