Ruby Druce, Ireland’s oldest person, celebrated her 109th birthday
The Gerontology Research Group is pleased to announce news that Mrs. Ruby Druce, the oldest living person in Ireland, celebrated her 109th birthday in Letterkenny, Donegal, Ireland, on 31 December 2024.
Ruby Druce was born in Castlefin, Ireland, on 31 December 1915, to parents George and Elizabeth Crawford, and was the oldest of five children.
In 1956, she married Jim Druce, whom she had met when she was 14. Jim passed away in 1970.
When she celebrated her 100th birthday in 2014, Ruby donated the centenarian’s cheque she received from the Irish President to local charities. All in all, she has received nine commemorative coins from the President of Ireland.
On 29 October 2016, at the age of 100, Druce was interviewed by Martin Harran of Finn Valley Community Radio. She was described as having an exceptional memory of her early life in Castlefin, and was acutely aware of how the town had changed over time.
On 12 August 2024, following the death of 109-year-old Phyllis Furness, she became the oldest living person in Ireland.