KING OF the Claddagh Michael Lynskey is among a new crop of web surfers who have graduated from a senior citizens' computer training programme in Galway.
Mr Lynskey, who says his "heart is 16" and his body six decades older, was one of 150 participants in the Age Action West initiative.
He would have spent time celebrating with his classmates in Ballybane Library yesterday, were he not marking his 50th wedding anniversary at the weekend and "still recovering".
The participants, aged between 60 and 90, signed up for Age Action's "Getting Started" programme, which covers word processing, e-mail and internet.
They are among 700 senior citizens who have completed the free 10-week training in Dublin, Galway and the Border counties.
Mr Lynskey has no computer at home in Galway's Fairhill, but has discovered that local libraries provide IT facilities, including 45 minutes' free use of the internet.
Carmel Sheridan of Age Action West said the programme met a particular need. In 2000, just 8 per cent of Irish internet users were older than 50.
The scheme is supported by the Department of the Taoiseach, the Galway Library network, the Galway Volunteer Centre and Age Action. Yesterday's graduation was hosted by Siobhán Arkins, executive librarian at Ballybane.
Details on courses are available from Age Action West, 2/3 West End Square, Small Crane, Galway, telephone (091) 527831.
