TESS CELEBRATES 90 WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
One of Ballon’s oldest residents, Mrs Tess Blanche, Ballinadrum celebrated her 90th birthday on Sunday 15 September.
Born Tess Brennan in 1923, she was daughter of John and Catherine Brennan, The Forge, Ballon and married Wish Blanche in 1945. Throughout her life Tess was active in parish activities including drama, Tops of the Town, Senior Citizens and the Apostolic Work Society and continues to be active in the latter Society.
In 2008 she was awarded the Bene Merenti Medal, an award instituted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832 and which is conferred on those who have exhibited long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church.
