No 100th birthday gift cheque for woman living abroad

ARAS an Uachtarain yesterday staunchly defended its decision not to pay an Irish woman who celebrated her 100th birthday the customary gift cheque from President Mary McAleese.

Hanoria O'Leary from the Co Kerry village of Sneem was denied her €2,540 cheque from the president because she has been living with her daughter in England since she was 75.

"This money is paid strictly to people who are resident in this country at the time they celebrate their 100th birthday once they have emigrated for a number of years they are no longer entitled to the money," the President's spokesperson said.