Mrs. Druce, a native of Castlefinn, County Donegal, has experienced two world wars and two worldwide pandemics. With the exception of a drop of poitín when she contracted the Spanish flu in 1918, she has never smoked or used alcohol.

Mrs. Druce was the oldest of five children born to George Crawford and Elizabeth (née McBride) on New Year's Eve, 1915. 54 years ago, her husband died.

More than a century ago, she lost two siblings to the Spanish flu.

The lifelong pioneer credited walking, hard work, and taking a daily capsule of cod liver oil for her long life.

Prior to her birthday, she extended her Christmas greetings to the local newspaper's readers, telling the Finn Valley Voice that she never imagined she "would live as long" in her lifetime.

Following the death of her niece Margo Butler, who had been her carer for ten years, Mrs. Druce moved in with her niece Carmel and her husband Martin Harran last summer. Four generations of family members look after her.

Ms. Harran stated that "she's a very special lady" and that having her in their house has been enjoyable.

She is a devoted Christian who continues to pray and recite the rosary. The singer from West Donegal, Daniel O'Donnell, is an admirer of Mrs. Druce and has frequently called her on her birthday. She performed 'The Homes of Donegal' with Mr. O'Donnell on his visit earlier this year.

She gave local organisations the centenarian's cheque she received from the Irish President on her 100th birthday.

Mrs Druce lived alone until she fractured her hip in a fall when she was 98 years old, at which point she moved in with her niece.

After Phyllis Furness passed away in Galway last autumn, Mrs. Druce is thought to have been the oldest person in Ireland.

The President of Ireland has given her nine commemorative coins.