Five Generations Strong: A Cork Family’s Century of Connection

The Lane family of Carrigaline, County Cork, Ireland, recently celebrated a remarkable milestone: five generations united by family, love, and a deep connection to their community. At the heart of this expansive family is Una Lane, who turned 101 in 2026, and welcomed her first great-great-grandchild, Sonny Bermingham, in January of the same year.

A Family Rooted in Carrigaline

Una Lane (née Costello) was born in Adare in 1925 and moved to Cork with her late husband, Dan, 79 years ago, settling in what was then a rural Carrigaline. There, they raised their 11 children. Today, the family includes 30 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

Celebrating a Century of Life

The family held a large celebration for Una’s 100th birthday in July 2025 at the Carrigaline Court Hotel. “It was a big one,” recalls Reann Lane, a great-grandchild. “Because there are cousins and stuff that we don’t see all the time, so it was lovely to have us all in one place.” Stephanie Bermingham, Sonny’s mother and Una’s eldest great-grandchild, added, “We don’t often get together, but this was one time where we did all get together, we got dressed up, and it was a big deal.”

Welcoming the Fifth Generation

The arrival of baby Sonny Bermingham marked another joyous occasion for the Lane family. In a unique twist, Sonny is the son of Stephanie Bermingham, who is also Una’s first great-grandchild, and Stephanie’s father, Stephen Lane, was Una’s first grandchild.

Carrigaline: A Town Transformed

Carmel Lane, Stephen Lane’s mother, remembers Carrigaline as a much smaller place. “There was only one shop. Barry Collins, it was small then – a small shop. That was all. It’s all so built up now,” she recalls. Her sister, Mary, fondly remembers playing in the fields and Currabinny Woods as children.

A Self-Sufficient Life

Una and Dan Lane lived a self-sufficient life, growing potatoes, harvesting honey, making jam and butter, baking bread, and maintaining a “magical garden.” Stephanie and Reann have cherished memories of spending time with their great-grandfather, stirring jam in the shed.

Community and Change

Social life in Carrigaline, even in the mid-20th century, was vibrant. Carmel Lane met her husband, Gerald Lane, at Cogan’s Cinema, the local picture-house, which has since been replaced by a gym. Stephen Lane recalls a time when children would lie on the road listening for cars, and Denise Lane remembers building sandcastles that would remain undisturbed for a week – a testament to the slower pace of life.

A Changing Landscape

Even Stephanie, born in the 1990s, experienced a more rural childhood than what she envisions for Sonny. She remembers making forts in the fields and enjoying a strong sense of community. “People would just call to each other’s doors,” says Reann. “I believe a little bit of that has changed nowadays,” Stephanie observes.

The Importance of Family

Despite the changes in Carrigaline and surrounding areas, the Lane family’s commitment to one another remains steadfast. Stephanie reflects on the value of growing up in a multi-generational family, emphasizing the laughter and constant support. Una’s love for her family is well-known, and she famously never forgets a birthday.

A Legacy of Kindness

Throughout the years, Una has imparted valuable wisdom to her family. “She’s always said, ‘it doesn’t cost a thing to be kind’,” says Mary. This message of kindness, passed down through generations, will undoubtedly shape Sonny’s upbringing as well. “We would do absolutely anything for each other, because we love each other,” Stephanie concludes.