AS the world celebrates St Patrick’s Day today, the festivities kicked off a little earlier than usual in Sheffield.
John Berney, who lives in the Steel City, is celebrating the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint just days after turning 100.
The proud Wexford native was born before the establishment of the Irish Free State and the founding of Dáil Éireann.
John emigrated to Chesterfield at the age of 17 and, like may others who made the journey, went on to work in construction for Sir Robert McAlpine.
John Berney recently marked his 100th birthday (Image: Kevin Kennedy Ryan)A handy hurler in his day, St Vincents GAA in Sheffield presented John with a commemorative shirt to mark his special day.
John’s son also previously penned a song celebrating his father’s life, which you can see below.
We’ll be raising a glass to centurion John this St Patrick’s Day!
See More: 100th Birthday, Irish In Britain, Sheffield
