Mysie celebrates 99 - and sets new Queen target

For Mysie Corrigan, lawn bowls had been a significant part of her life – until the COVID-19 pandemic struck and she was forced to stop playing.

However, the sport-loving Caboolture resident still celebrated her 99^th birthday with family and friends at Caboolture Lakes Bowls Club on October 27.

The Federal Member for Longman Terry Young also dropped in to congratulate her on the milestone and wish her well.

Mrs Corrigan joined the bowls club in 1995 and played regularly right up until the pandemic restrictions came into force.

Love of bowls

Her daughter Margaret said she loved socialising at the club and really missed playing.

“She loved the competition bowls and the association with her fellow bowlers as lifelong friendships have developed,” Margaret said.

Mr Young said clubs like the Caboolture Lakes Bowls Club were so important for the local community.

“Not only do they give older people a reason to leave the house and keep active, but they are also great places to socialise and we all know how important that can be for a person’s mental health,” Mr Young said.

Torch bearer

“Congratulations Mysie for reaching this milestone.”

Sport has been a been a big part of Mrs Corrigan’s life, particularly swimming and cricket.

She was even one of the torch-bearers for the Sydney Olympic Games, carrying the Olympic torch through Caboolture on behalf of the bowls club.

She is still an avid gardener and loves playing cards and knitting.

Aiming for 100

Mrs Corrigan was born and raised in North Sydney and had three children, though sadly her eldest son Kevin died in his 20s.

She has 13 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Mrs Corrigan’s secret to a long life was keeping active and not smoking or drinking.

She is hoping to make it to her 100^th birthday so she can get a letter from the Queen.