Eileen ‘Nell’ Hynes, the oldest living person in Ireland, passed away in Coolderry, County Offaly, on 4 June, at the age of 109 years, 171 days. Her passing was reported by RTE.ie and the Irish Times.
Hynes was born Eileen Jones in Cullenwaine (County Offaly), on 15 December 1916. She was the youngest of six children in the family. She attended the local school and secured her first position at the Post Office in Moneygall. From time to time, she also undertook relief work in neighbouring post offices as the need arose.
At a house party in her cousin’s home, she was introduced to the man who would later become her husband. After courting for several years, they married in 1939, when Eileen was 23 years old, and she moved with her new husband to Coolderry. Upon marriage, she had to give up her position at the Post Office. However, there was no shortage of work—both within the home and outdoors on the farm. Together, they went on to raise a family of ten children.
With the arrival of electricity in the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, life gradually became a little easier. Eileen was then able to purchase a washing machine, and a refrigerator followed at a later stage.
On 14 July 2025, following the passing of 108-year-old Sarah Coyle, she became the nation’s oldest living resident. According to the Ireland’s Oldest People, the website that tracks the nation’s oldest residents, Hynes’ successor is most likely Sr Colette Hickey, born 31 January 1918, who resides in Cork. The oldest known Irish-born person, however, is Catherine Hedges, born 8 July 1916, who currently lives in Hampshire, England.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Eileen Hynes during this difficult time.
