Sarah Coyle, Ireland's Oldest Person, Passes Away at 108

In a poignant moment for Ireland, Sarah Coyle, acknowledged as the nation’s oldest citizen, has passed away at the age of 108. Her family confirmed that she died peacefully on July 14, 2025, ten days shy of her 109th birthday, surrounded by loved ones in Dublin.

Sarah Coyle, born Sarah Byrne on July 24, 1916, in Knockatomcoyle, County Wicklow, was one of ten siblings. She grew up in Coolkenno, a village near Tullow, County Carlow, before relocating to Dublin at the young age of 17. In Dublin, she worked as a caregiver for an elderly woman in Foxrock, a position that reflected her nurturing spirit.

Coyle’s life was marked by resilience. In 1957, at the age of 40, she lost her sight due to a head injury. Despite this significant challenge, she cultivated a profound appreciation for radio, becoming an avid listener of programs such as Liveline, hosted by Joe Duffy, and iconic broadcasts by Gay Byrne and Marian Finucane. Her grandson, Thomas Galligan, remarked on her remarkable gardening skills, despite her blindness, stating, "She was great with her hands and was great at laying guide wires in the garden. She loved plants and colours."

Throughout her remarkable life, Coyle lived in various parts of Dublin, including Drumcondra and Castleknock, where she resided with her daughter Marian Galligan. Following the passing of her husband, Tom Coyle, in 1986, she continued to thrive within her family, which now includes two children, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Thomas Galligan reminisced about his grandmother's memories of significant historical events, including the Emergency and the rations during World War II, as well as her recollections of the Black and Tans, a paramilitary force active during the Irish War of Independence.

Sarah Coyle was honored with eight presidential medals, awarded to centenarians in recognition of their longevity. Her family noted that she had two siblings who also reached remarkable ages, with her sister Lily currently 103 and residing in Birmingham.

The news of Sarah Coyle’s passing has prompted tributes from various quarters, reflecting on her legacy as a matriarch and a symbol of resilience. "She loved the simple things," her family noted, encapsulating a life dedicated to family and community. As the nation mourns her loss, Coyle's life story serves as a testament to the strength and spirit of the generations that have shaped Ireland over the last century.

The implications of her passing extend beyond personal loss; it invites reflection on the stories and histories carried by the elderly in society. As younger generations continue to engage with their heritage, Coyle’s life stands as a bridge across time, connecting past experiences with present understanding. The memory of Sarah Coyle will undoubtedly live on through her family and the wider Irish community, reminding all of the rich tapestry of lives that contribute to the nation's identity.