Ireland’s oldest man, Paddy Claffey, attributes his longevity to hard work and a good appetite. It probably also helps that he has never drunk alcohol and gave up smoking when he was 45.
Although his mobility is “not so good”, the 104-year-old enjoys an active life and still lives in his own home.
On St Patrick’s Day, Paddy will be the grand marshall of the parade in Clara, Co Offaly.
Born on April 17th, 1921, in his “home house” in the townland of Noggusboy near Ferbane in Co Offaly, Paddy was the youngest of 10 children, with six sisters and three brothers. When he was 13, his appendix burst and he spent 30 days in hospital. “I never went back to school,” he says.
