Ireland’s Oldest Man, 104, to Lead St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Clara, Co. Offaly

Paddy Claffey, believed to be Ireland’s oldest man at 104 years old, will serve as the grand marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Clara, Co. Offaly. Claffey attributes his longevity to hard work and maintaining a good appetite, having never consumed alcohol and ceasing smoking at age 45.

A Life Well-Lived

Born on April 17, 1921, in Noggusboy near Ferbane, Co. Offaly, Paddy Claffey was the youngest of ten children [1]. His early life included a 30-day hospital stay at age 13 following an appendectomy, after which he did not return to formal schooling [1].

Work and Family

Claffey began his working life assisting his father with turf cutting. He later worked with the Board of Works, contributing to construction projects in Ferbane, including St. Cynoc’s Terrace and the boys’ school. He then spent 24 years with Offaly County Council before retiring at 65 [1].

He married Margaret in October 1953, a Wexford woman who worked as a housekeeper for a bank manager’s family in Ferbane. Claffey fondly remembers his wife’s baking skills, particularly her brown bread and apple tarts [1]. The couple experienced the loss of their first child, Margaret, at three months old due to spina bifida. They later had three more children: Kieran, Bríd and Patrick. Claffey now has four grandchildren – Fiona, Adrian, Liam, and Shane – and six great-grandchildren: Conor, Holly, Isabel, Dara, Shay, and Paídí [1].

Staying Active and Positive

Despite some limitations in mobility, Claffey maintains an active lifestyle, continuing to live in his own home [1]. He enjoys reading the newspaper, watching GAA and soccer, and staying informed about local livestock prices through his tablet. He also enjoys spending time on his farm with his son, Kieran, and driving his quad [1].

Claffey credits his good health and longevity to a combination of factors, including a positive outlook and the unwavering support of his family. He has recited the same prayer every night since he was six years old [1].

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

On St. Patrick’s Day, Paddy Claffey will lead the parade in Clara, Co. Offaly [2] and [3].