A Kildare grandmother with a yen for gaming has won top honours at this year’s Google Silver Surfer Awards with Age Action at a ceremony in Google’s Barrow St offices today.
Pauline O’Connor of Carbury in Co. Kildare cemented her position as a brilliant granny by mastering games on Playstation, Wii and Nintendo DS and loves to challenge her 10 grandchildren to competitions.
Mrs O’Connor was nominated for the award by her daughter Aine who said: "Every Sunday when we go for breakfast to her house, time is dedicated to figuring out the new challenge or sharing hints and tips with her grandchildren. It warms my heart to see my mother connecting with my children through technology."
Five awards were handed out at the ceremony. The other winners were Dermot Perry (64) for Most Dedicated IT Learner; John Kavanagh (67) for Hobbies on the Net Award for his Blues social network; John O’Keefe (76) won IT Tutor Award for teaching classes on how to use Skype; and Catherine Talty (96) received the Golden IT Award for her work recording her memories of local traditions and folklore after being inspired by visits from local history group Cuimhneamh an Chláir (CAC).
Three finalists were shortlisted in each of the five categories. The shortlisted entrants were chosen for the dedication and passion they showed in their quest to get online, regardless of their age.
Sinéad Gibney, head of social action at Google said: "It is wonderful to see so many older people getting to grips with technology. At Google we have been helping people use the internet for several years through our Age Engage programme and I have seen the difference that it can make first hand. While it can often be a daunting experience I hope all of today’s winners can act as an inspiration to others."
Robin Webster, chief executive of Age Action said: "We hope that today’s winners will inspire more older people to learn IT skills. The examples we have seen today highlight the huge potential which new technology has to transform and enrich the quality of life for older people."
TechCentral Reporters
Pictured: Overall winner Pauline O’Connor with her daughter Aine
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