Ireland's oldest woman marks 109th birthday and reflects on surviving two pandemics

Ruby Druce, believed to be Ireland's oldest person, celebrated her 109th birthday on New Year’s Eve. She is one of the few people alive who survived both the Spanish flu and Covid-19 pandemics. Born in 1915 in Donegal, Ruby attributes her longevity to walking, hard work, and cod liver oil. She has lived through two World Wars and has been widowed for 55 years. Ruby lived independently until 2023, when she moved in with her niece after a fall. She fondly recalls her childhood during the Spanish flu, which claimed the lives of two siblings.