'Mass and simple pleasures are the key'- 100-year-old Josie shares the secret to longevity

She believes going to church, not smoking and enjoying the simple things have helped her reach a grand old age.

Josie told the Herald she hoped to live for many more years.

“I live the simple life. I’m not saying I’m a saint, but I say my prayers and try to do what’s right,” the bubbly centenarian said.

“I ask God every day to look over me and I pray for all my neighbours and friends. I hope God won’t forget me when my time comes.”

Josie was born in 1916. Her father, Andrea, was from Italy and her mother, Anna McKeown, was from Belfast.

She spent 60 years living in Rathmines before moving to East Wall five years ago to be closer to her nieces.

Josie worked in many of the city’s main cafes and restaurants, including Arnotts, Johnston Mooney and the Teatime Express.

However, she was happiest in Bernie’s Restaurant on O’Connell Street.

“It was owned by Italians and my father was from Italy. I spent 11 years working in that restaurant, it was a great job,” she said.

“I loved mixing with people and I made a lot of tips. I served thousands of customers over the years, but I always had my regulars.

“Everybody smoked in my day – the chef would be serving the lunches and still have a cigarette in his mouth.

“I never once smoked and never had the urge to.

“I was never a drinker. I might have an odd toast at a wedding, but it would only be a few mouthfuls. I wouldn’t care if I never had another drink.

“I like to know what’s going on in the world, so I listen to and watch a lot of shows.

“I like listening to true stories, so I tune in to Joe Duffy and watch the Late Late Show, but it’s not the same now without Gay Byrne.

“Coronation Street and Fair City have got very boring, so I don’t watch them any more.”