Martin McEvillyconsidered the oldest man in Ireland, celebrated his 108th birthday on July 26, 2024, and, throughout his long life, he has shared his secret to reaching that age: a healthy living routine based on balance, faith and constant activity.
He was born in 1916 in RosscahillCounty Galway, (Ireland). Martin is the last of 11 siblings, and has lived a life marked by modesty and simplicity. Although his brothers also lived to be over ninety years old, the youngest McEvilly has broken the limits of life expectancy, being the last member of his family to reside on the farm where they grew up.
The key to Martin’s well-being, according to him, is in his personal motto: “Everything in moderation.” You apply this principle to all aspects of your life, from your diet to your alcohol consumption and your level of physical activity. Throughout his life, McEvilly has abstained from eating after 7:00 p.m. and limits his consumption of Guinness, the typical beer of his country, to only three glasses on Sunday nights. These small restrictions, combined with his general approach of avoiding excesses, seem to have served him well.
Despite his advanced age, he has maintained an active lifestyle. For many years, he practiced cycling, until he had to stop at the age of 99. Even so, continued exercising on a bicycleYes, static until the age of 105. His daily physical exercise routine and commitment to staying moving were essential to maintaining his health. In his youth, Martin was used to doing heavy work on the farm, such as gathering moss for animal bedding and cutting ferns, which he said helped him stay strong throughout his life.
Another crucial factor has been his deep religious devotion. He has never missed praying the rosary at nightsomething his son Pat remembers fondly. On his 107th birthday, Martin celebrated with his family, as they shared on social media. A local priest attended the party, who prayed the Lord’s Prayer with them, thus reaffirming their unwavering faith.
As for family, Martin has always considered family ties to be essential for a full and long life. He continues to live at his home in Rosscahill, where his daughter Noranne She takes care of him, supported by the rest of his children and a team of caregivers.
In 1946, he married his beloved Kathleenwith whom he shared one of the longest marital relationships in the country. They lasted 75 years together until her death in 2022. Together they raised seven children: Margaret, Mary, Noranne, Christina, Mickey, Pat y John. The loss of his wife was a hard blow, but his family’s continued support has helped him remain resilient.
