A NIGHTLY Hail Maryis one of the secrets to longevity, veteran Hollywood star Maureen O'Hara has said. The legendary Irish actor was the star attraction in Co Limerick yesterday where she attended the launch of a new book on the Foynes Flying Boat Museum.
The 89 year old is patron of the museum and her husband, Charlie Blair, captained the first non-stop flight from Foynes to New York in 1942. They both feature in the new book, which has been put together from the museum's vast archives.
When asked her secrets to looking good, the flame-haired actress attributed her longevity to enjoying life. "Stay healthy and exercise. Be kind. Be good and enjoy life. Say your Hail Maryevery night when you go to bed and just be as good as you can be," she said.
Having enjoyed an acting career that spanned over 60 years, O'Hara lists John Wayne, whom she starred opposite on five occasions, as her favourite actor from Hollywood's golden era.
She also admitted she doesn't get out to see new movies anymore but has found a new passion, football. "I hate to admit it but today I don't get out of the house much to look at movies and what I spend my time doing is looking at the football matches. I love soccer for one reason but I love Gaelic for another," she revealed.
Shamrock Rovers is her favourite soccer team and she will be cheering for Cork in next weekend's All-Ireland football final against Kerry at Croke Park.
"It's too far for me to go as I'm getting old, but I'll be saying a Hail Maryfor them in Glengarriff," said Ms O'Hara.
"Everything to do with Cork winning, we wear in our hearts," she said.