Watch: Census Centenarian Ambassador on past century

The National Archives of Ireland has unveiled a treasure trove of history with the public release of the 1926 Census records. This long-awaited archive offers an unprecedented glimpse into life in the nascent Irish Free State, bringing historical data to life through the voices of those who lived it.

The initiative's 'Centenarian Ambassadors' are the heart of this project. Selected from nearly 100 individuals alive during the census, these 48 ambassadors, all born between 1920 and 1926, represent a living link to a pivotal era. Their testimonies, captured in video and photo, will be permanently preserved, ensuring their stories endure.

Director of the National Archives, Orlaith McBride, rightly emphasizes that this project illuminates the human stories behind the statistics. It's a powerful reminder that history is not just dates and figures, but the lived experiences of individuals.

One such compelling story is that of Jeremiah Murphy, born in Cork in September 1925. His reflections on serving in Ireland's Local Defence Force during World War II and his youthful adventure hitchhiking across Europe with a friend offer a vivid personal narrative. These accounts, shared through interviews like the one with his son, RTÉ News Economics and Public Affairs Editor David Murphy, provide invaluable context and emotional depth to the historical record.

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the project highlights the human stories behind the historical data.