An Erris woman who played a vital role in changing the course of world history with her weather reports is celebrating her 100th birthday today.
Maureen Sweeney nee Flavin who is a native of County Kerry forecast an impending storm from Blacksod station in 1944 which changed the timing of the D-Day landings and ultimately secured victory for the Allies.
The remote Blacksod lighthouse and coastguard station played a key role during World War II supplying Britain with weather reports.
Ted and Maureen Sweeney were amongst those taking readings on an hourly basis, which were being secretly phoned into London.
At 1pm on 3 June 1944, 21-year-old Maureen was first to forecast a severe Atlantic storm, which led to a change of plan in one of the world's biggest military operations.
D-Day was postponed to 6 June and the rest is history.
Maureen will celebrate her 100th borthday today with friends and Family in Tí Aire Nursing Home in Belmullet.
Her Grandson Fergus Sweeney says today is such a special day for the family.
