The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Michéal Martin, has extended his congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Centenarian Bounty, a national honour awarded by the President of Ireland to citizens who have reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years of age.
The Centenarian Bounty was first established in 1940 and is a way for the Irish state to celebrate the extraordinary lives and contributions of its citizens. In 2006, the scope of the award was expanded to include Irish citizens born on the island of Ireland but residing abroad, ensuring that the contributions of the Irish diaspora are also recognized. The Department of Foreign Affairs oversees the award process for those living outside the country.
In 2024, over 200 applications were processed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, with a notable 81% of recipients being women and 19% men. The majority of applications, approximately 54%, were received from County Antrim. This year’s recipients represent a diverse range of Irish citizens, both at home and abroad, who have lived through extraordinary times and made significant contributions to their communities.
Reflecting on the significance of the award, Tánaiste Michéal Martin remarked:
“The Centenarian Bounty is a meaningful way for the State to mark the exceptional lives of our citizens, both here in Ireland and across the globe. It is always a privilege to witness the presentation of these awards, which celebrate the longevity, resilience, and enduring spirit of those who have reached this remarkable milestone.”
A special moment in this year’s awards was the recognition of George and Ruby Moore, the first married couple living abroad to receive the Centenarian Bounty. Both celebrated their 100th birthdays together in 2024 and were commended for their vibrant spirits. In addition to reaching a century of life, George and Ruby Moore also marked a remarkable milestone in their personal journey as they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.
“I was delighted to see George and Ruby Moore receive the Centenarian Bounty,” the Tánaiste continued. “It is truly heart-warming to know that they not only celebrated their 100th birthdays together, but have also shared so many years of love and companionship. I extend my warmest congratulations to them and wish them many more years of happiness.”
The Centenarian Bounty serves as a reminder of Ireland’s deep respect for its citizens, both past and present, and reflects the nation’s commitment to honouring those who have contributed to its rich cultural and social heritage. As Ireland continues to extend its reach globally, the Centenarian Bounty is a symbol of the strong bond between the homeland and the Irish diaspora.
This year’s awards exemplify the diverse backgrounds of Irish citizens and their enduring connection to their homeland, whether they reside in Ireland or abroad. The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to oversee the award process for future recipients, ensuring that the contributions of Irish citizens who reach 100 years of age are recognised and celebrated.
About the Centenarian Bounty: The Centenarian Bounty is awarded by the President of Ireland to citizens who have reached the age of 100. Established in 1940, the programme was later extended to Irish citizens living abroad in 2006. It is overseen by the Department of Foreign Affairs, which processes applications from Irish citizens living outside the State.
For more information about the Centenarian Bounty and the application process, please visit the Department of Foreign Affairs website.