THE 'CENTENARIAN BOUNTY' The tradition by which people who have reached their 100th birthday receive a special message from the President of Ireland, wishing them a happy birthday and congratulating them, was started in 1940 by President Douglas Hyde. The letter of congratulations from the President is accompanied by an award of €2,540. The scheme, often referred to as “the Centenarian Bounty”, is open to people living in Ireland who have reached 100 years, as well as to Irish citizens born on the island of Ireland who have reached 100 years and who are living outside of the State. Since his inauguration in 2011, the President has sent such a message to 2,452 people. YEAR TOTAL 2018 359 2017     412 2016                      417  2015                         404                 2014                         407                    2013                         424                   2012                         326                   *2011 64

Female 292 357 353 346    343 363 279 57

Male 67 55 64 58 64 61 47 7

* November - December 2011

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THE PRESIDENCY IN REVIEW 2011 - 2018