Centenarian Margaret turns 102

A 102-year-old Salix Homes tenant has revealed the secret to longevity – a hot toddy or two every night.

Margaret O’Malley has recently celebrated her 102nd birthday and says she doesn’t go to bed without a whiskey.

Margaret, who has lived at Rialto Gardens in Broughton for more than 30 years, said: “I still have a hot toddy at night – or maybe even two or three, and that’s my secret. I like an Irish whiskey best – Jamesons is my favourite.”

Margaret was born in County Mayo, Ireland, onFebruary 13, 1916. She moved to Salford in 1951, where she met her late husband Anthony.

The pair married in 1956 at St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Higher Broughton and went on to have two children – Mary and Anthony. She now has seven grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

After moving from Ireland, Margaret and her family settled in the Higher Broughton area and she worked for many years as a dinner lady at St Malachy’s Primary School in Collyhurst.

Margaret, who is cared for by her daughter Mary, celebrated the landmark birthday with a family party at the Irish World Heritage Centre in Collyhurst.

She also received a Centenarian Bounty medal, which is a national award made by the Irish president to people aged 100 and over.

Mick Walsh, neighbourhood manager at Salix Homes said: “Margaret is one of our longest serving tenants at Rialto Gardens and we would like to wish her a very happy 102nd birthday. She is a truly remarkable lady and a real character and we hope to see her celebrate many more special birthdays in the future.”