Ireland’s latest centenarian celebrates his birthday in the pub

Born in 1915, George Smith worked as a docker until his retirement 35 years ago

A pint of plain is still your only man for Ireland's latest centenarian, George Smith.

Mr Smith turned 100 yesterday and went for a celebration pint in Glasnevin’s celebrated pub the Gravediggers, where he has drunk for at least half a century.

Friends and family were on hand to help the pub’s oldest regular celebrate his birthday.

Mr Smith was born in Townsend Street, Dublin, and worked as a docker from the age of 16 to his retirement at 65. His wife died 20 years ago.

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The couple had four children, one of whom, Paul, died in 2002. Mr Smith has seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He is now hard of hearing and shortsighted, and uses a walking frame.

Longevity

Nevertheless, he puts his longevity down to “hard work, staying positive and the pint of Guinness”, his daughter Teresa said.

“He is really clued in to what is going on. He is still very sociable and takes a great interest in his grandchildren.”

He gets up early in the morning and is able to cook his dinner with the help of his carer.

He goes to the Gravediggers every Saturday - and is known to frequent other pubs on occasion.

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy is a news reporter with The Irish Times