Donegal duo chosen as Centenarian Ambassadors for 1926 Census release

A pair of Donegal centenarians have been chosen as ambassadors ahead of the release of the 1926 Census of Population records on April 18.

Sister Florence Hutchinson, 101, of Bundoran, and Susie Boyle, 100, of Cloughlass, Burtonport, were chosen in a cohort of 48 Centenarian Ambassadors.

The ambassadors have been chosen from almost 100 people who were alive at the time the census was taken in 1926 and who contacted the National Archives. The selected ambassadors were born between 1920 and 1926, and today live all over Ireland, from Donegal to Waterford, and from Dublin to Galway. There are also Centenarian Ambassadors representing the Irish diaspora living today in the US, Canada, Britain and Australia. 

Ambassador video and photo stories will also be used in association with Census 1926 activities around the country, while each Ambassador has also been presented with a specially-designed commemorative mug and certificate.

Sr Florence Hutchinson, who celebrated her 100th birthday in November 2024 by attending a special Mass at Finner Camp, taught music at Mount Lourdes in Enniskillen before moving to Callan in Kilkenny to train in social work with Sr Stanislaus Kennedy. She would return to Bundoran in 2009 at the age of 85. 

Susie Boyle celebrated her 100th birthday at the Maghery Senior Social Club in June 2025.

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National Archives Director Orlaith McBride said: “The census isn’t about lists and numbers; it’s about the people living in Ireland in 1926 and all of their descendants today. 

“First-hand stories are especially powerful and moving. The Centenarian Ambassador programme has been a real highlight for all of us at the National Archives. It has been a privilege to hear from centenarians and their families and to have them share their stories with us.”

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD commented: “I’m delighted to officially announce the chosen Centenarian Ambassadors, as we mark the forthcoming release of the 1926 Census. 

“The release of the 1926 Census records is a historic moment, offering an invaluable account of life in the early years of the Free State, and tells the personal stories of families and communities. 

“It’s particularly moving that we can honour the individuals who were recorded in the census in 1926 and are still with us today.”