GAMING, SOCIAL networking and using Skype – that’s just some of what Ireland’s older citizens are up to online.
Recognised yesterday for their adventures on the internet, five of Ireland’s most nimble surfers took gongs at the Google Silver Surfer 2012 Awards, supported by Age Action Ireland.
Catherine Talty (96) from Clounlaheen, west Clare, took the Golden IT Award. Embracing new technology to preserve the past, teaching herself to use a digital recorder, the Banner woman has recorded folklore and traditions from the mid-1800s. Her stories now form part of the history group, Cuimhneamh an Chláir.
Pauline O’Connor (70) from Carbury, Co Kildare, took the overall Silver Surfer award for her prowess on Playstation, Wii and Nintendo DS, often beating her grandchildren at their own game. Ms O’Connor is also an avid Facebook user.
Three other silver surfers, John Kavanagh (67), from Ballinteer who set up a blues music appreciation site; Dermot Perry (64), a motor neuron disease sufferer who lives at Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross and who uses his feet to surf and Skype; and John O’Keefe (76) from Carlow, an IT tutor, took awards at the Google -hosted ceremony. Speaking about his win, Mr O’Keefe said: “We’re not dead yet.”