Happy 100th birthday to Kilroot parishioner Ellen

Monday October 20th 2025

Bishop George Davison visited Ellen Davidson to wish her a happy 100th birthday.

Congratulations to Mrs Ellen Davidson, a parishioner in St Colman’s Church, Kilroot, who celebrated her 100^th birthday on October 6.

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, and Ellen’s rector, the Rev Nigel Kirkpatrick, were among those who called a few days later, on October 10, to wish her a happy birthday and celebrate Holy Communion with her.

Ellen is originally from the Shankill Road, Belfast, but moved to Carrickfergus with her husband John and their three children when John got a job with ICI in the 1960s. She has lived in Carrickfergus ever since but is very proud of her Shankill roots!

After John died in 2003, Ellen moved into a little house in Sheils Buildings and lived there very independently, with assistance from her children, until the end of last year, when the stairs became too much for her. She has lived in a bungalow with Radius Housing ever since and enjoys the assisted living they provide.

Sadly, both of Ellen’s daughters predeceased her, and her son Brian assists her with the help of her grandchildren. When asked how many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, she has, Ellen simply smiled and says, “I lost count ages ago!”

Needless to say, there is a lot of coming-and-going at her house and she enjoyed a special birthday party with all her family and friends at a local restaurant on the Saturday before her big day.

Ellen is a faithful member of St Colman’s Church, Kilroot, and although in very recent times she has been unable to attend worship on a Sunday, she loves to receive Holy Communion in her home every month.