One of Ireland's oldest men passes away

Kiltoom native Martin (Matt) Leonard who celebrated his 103rd birthday on September 25 last has passed away. Matt went to his eternal reward on Tuesday last, October 16. Born in 1909, Matt was one of six children of James and Mary Leonard of Purts, Kiltoom. Matt attended Ballybay National School in Kiltoom before taking up work as a gardener and farmhand on the Levin's family estate at Newpark House in Kiltoom at the age of 14. Through his work at Newpark House, he met Julia Hughes from Cavan, who worked for the sister of Mr Levins in Dublin and they married in 1940. They were together for 66 years and lived together in Stella Maris until Julia passed away, at the age of 99, over four years ago. The two had moved in Stella Maris eight years ago.