Slane woman (92) gains diploma

Ninety-two-year-old Mary Maura O'Malley from Slane was recently awarded a diploma in social studies after studying at the International Foundation for Adult Education (IFAE) for the past year. Born on 12th November 1919 in Ballintobber, Claremorris, Co Mayo, Ms O'Malley was the second eldest of seven children. She worked as a PE teacher for six years after studying physical education in Scotland, and gaining her degree. She is one of the founding members of physical education in Ireland and also Ireland's first PE teacher. Ms O'Malley then moved from education into acting and starred in several American films, and more notably, two popular Irish films, 'Waking Ned' and 'The Commitments'. She played the part of Joey's mother in the hugely popular latter movie, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Ms O'Malley lives in Slane but is currently residing in Heatherfield Nursing Home, Dunshaughlin, for a respite break.