Waterford nun celebrates her 108th birthday

Expressions of goodwill and congratulations were extended to a member of the clergy recently to acknowledge her celebrating her 108th birthday.

Sr. Colette Hickey, celebrated her 108th birthday on January 31.

Born Bridget Hickey, in Barracree, Ballinamult, Co Waterford, she joined the Good Shepherd Sisters in Cork City when she was just 17 years of age.

With her pioneering spirit, approximately 50 years ago, Sr. Colette established Edel House, which provides housing and support for women and children experiencing homelessness in Cork.

This remarkable legacy continues to offer invaluable services to this day. 

Sr. Colette has been instrumental in transforming countless lives and the people of Touraneena and Ballymacrbry in Co Waterford extended well wishes to her on her birthday.

 31, in Edel House, of the Good Shepherd Sisters Cork.

Sr Colette is held in extremely high regard among her order, the Good Shepherd Sisters, who described her as a visionary who planted the seed over 50 years ago for what developed into what is now known Good Shepherd Cork.

St Colette was born at the foot of the stunning Comeragh Mountains and is known for having lived a life of profound dedication and impact. 

She is someone who devoted much of her lifetime supporting those in need, with a particular focus on the homeless. 

The Good Shepherd order is renowned for its work with homeless women and children, and in St Colette they are blessed with someone who has a pioneering spirit.

The community in the Touraneena area of County Waterford, close to where St Colette is originally from expressed delight at her reaching her milestone birthday, with one local person commenting: "We take this opportunity to wish Sr. Colette a very happy birthday and the very best wishes for the future."

Sr Colette has lived through 10 popes and 10 Irish Presidents in addition to experiencing 15 Taoisigh at the head of Irish Government.

Signficantly, she is also one of the few people who lived through and can remember when Waterford won their two All-Ireland senior hurling titles. She was also the first ever Cork Person of the Year, when she received the accolade in 1993.