Ireland's Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Michéal Martin has congratulated the 2024 recipients of the Centenarian Bounty, a national award made by the Irish president to people who have reached 100 years of age.
"The Centenarian Bounty is a way for the State to mark the remarkable lives of our people," the Tánaiste said.
"It is always an honour to see these awards presented.
"This year, I was delighted to see George and Ruby Moore receive the Centenarian Bounty, the first married couple living outside the State to receive the Bounty. It is truly heart-warming that they celebrated their 100th birthdays together and to see them in such good spirits.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate George and Ruby as they celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary. I wish them all the best and many more happy times together.”
Congratulations to the 2024 Centenarian Bounty recipients, given to Irish citizens who reach 100.
A special mention to George and Ruby Moore, the first married couple living outside the State to receive the Bounty, as they celebrate 66 years of marriage.https://t.co/0UtoZzSPeu pic.twitter.com/l3a8ftmdy5
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 23, 2024
What is Ireland's Centenarian Bounty?
Ireland's Centenarian Bounty is a tradition where people who have reached their 100th birthday receive a gift from the State of €2,540 and a special message from the President of Ireland wishing them a happy birthday and congratulating them for their longevity.
Originally established in 1940 by President Douglas Hyde, the scheme was extended in 2006 so that all Irish citizens born on the island of Ireland and all foreign nationals resident in Ireland on their 100th birthday are eligible to apply
The Centenarian Bounty is usually awarded on behalf of the President by a local member of the clergy or friend of the centenarian, though the centenarian can also request that the letter and the President's bounty be sent directly to themselves without a presentation ceremony.
(The Bounty is not paid if a person reaches their 100th birthday but dies before the application process is completed. The Bounty cannot be paid to the estate of a deceased person.)
Since January 1, 2000, the President of Ireland has also marked the birthday of people over the age of 100 years. On his or her 101st and every subsequent birthday, the person receives a special commemorative coin in a presentation box, along with a congratulatory letter signed by the President. A new coin is designed for each year.
Ireland's Centenarian Bounty for the Irish abroad
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs oversees the Centenarian Bounty for eligible citizens living outside the State.
In 2024, the department processed over 200 such applications. 81% of those were received from female applicants and 19% were male. 54% of all applications received in 2024 were made from Co Antrim.
The Irish Abroad Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs works with Áras an Uachtaráin to promote and process the Centenarian Bounty for Irish citizens born on the island of Ireland who are living outside the State.
First married couple
Amongst this year’s awardees was the first married couple outside the state to receive the Centenarian Bounty since the extension of the scheme in 2006.
George and Ruby Moore both turned 100 this year, and the celebration was particularly important for the family as the couple also celebrated 66 years of marriage in 2024.
What does it take to live to 100?
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs notes that there are some common themes amongst those who received the Centenarian Bounty in 2024. Eight in ten centenarians were female, and over half of awardees originally came from Co Antrim.
Your birth month could also feed into your chances, with 14% of applicants born in January, and just 4% of our 100 year olds born in May.
16% of awardees were named Mary or some variation of the classic Irish name.
For the first time, in 2024 applications from Canada (6%) outnumbered those coming from the USA (5%). Applications were received from seven of the US States, with New York and Massachusetts the most strongly represented, with 30% of applications each.
Further around the globe, applications were also made by Irish people in South Africa and New Zealand (2%).
Turning 100 in 2025?
Any Irish citizen, born on the island of Ireland and living overseas, should contact their nearest Irish diplomatic mission or the Department of Foreign Affairs if you believe you are entitled to apply for Ireland's Centenarian Bounty.
Comments