John O’Dwyer makes a speech at his 100th birthday celebration. Pictured with his ‘children’ Marcus, Cecilia, Angela and Geraldine
There’s many around these parts who would remember John O’Dwyer who grew up and farmed on his family property, Rockwell, at Savernake.
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Mr O’Dwyer retired at 90 and moved to Berrigan 10 years ago.
At 100 years old, he still has a strong interest in the world around him and reads the paper and checks the stock reports every day.
On January 17, 50 family members and close friends gathered in Berrigan to celebrate Mr O’Dwyer’s 100th birthday, including his four children, Geraldine, Cecilia, Angela and Marcus, 16 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.
Four generations celebrated John O’Dwyer’s 100th birthday in Berrigan.
Then on Sunday, about 300 people attended a community event in his honour.
Among them was Savernake farmer, Alex Sloane who described him as “a real gentleman” who was very involved in life around Savernake including in farming groups, the local fire brigade, school and the Catholic church.
“His father was very well known for setting up the Corurgan Irrigation Channels, the largest private irrigation scheme in the southern hemisphere,” Mr Sloane said
“John and his brother David used to ride their horses to Wanborough School through Savernake Station.
“His birthday was a very joyous occasion.”
At 100, Mr O’Dwyer is still mobile and made a speech about his life at his birthday celebration.
“He’s an amazing man; he doesn’t look 100,” Mr Sloane said.