Ireland's oldest man, 108, dies as his three word rule for a long life remembered

Martin McEvilly lived a long and active life

Ireland's oldest man, a Galway native, has died at the age of 108 as tributes poured in for a man who led an extraordinary life.

Tributes poured in for Martin McEvilly who died peacefully on 9 October 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

GalwayBeo reports that Martin McEvilly was born on 26 July, 1916 in Rosscahill Co. Galway as the youngest of 11 siblings and lived an active and healthy life. Many of his brothers and sisters lived well into their nineties, but Martin was the only one who surpassed the century mark.

Locals and the many inspired by him remember an "honest gentleman" who lived a full life, not just in terms of his time lived, but in all he saw and experienced in the 108 years he thrived.

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Martin’s guiding principle in life was "everything in moderation" — he enjoy life to the fullest but without overindulging. He never ate after 7pm, had only 3 glasses of Guinness on Sunday nights, and remained very active and fit throughout his whole life.

A devoted cyclist, Martin lived without a car for 108 years. He rode his bike until he was 99 years of age and continued using an exercise bike until he was 105 years.

Hard work was a constant theme throughout Martin’s life. Growing up in a large family, everyone had daily chores, including cutting ferns, collecting moss for animal bedding, drawing water, and bringing in turf. He inherited the family farm after most of his siblings emigrated.

Faith also remained a large part of Martin's life. For his 107th birthday, the family gathered at the house where the local priest visited and Martin repeated the lord's prayer.

Martin will reposed at his Home in Rosscahill on Saturday 12 October, from 4pm till 7pm. He will arrive to the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Killannin for Requiem Mass at 2pm on Sunday, 13 October. Martin will be buried afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

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