Super gran Sheila never too old to learn something new

Niall Murray, Education Correspondent

But although the 98-year-old went to school before the establishment of the State, she is not finished learning new things.

Anybody with an intrinsic fear of computers and all things technological should take inspiration from Sheila, who recently completed a comprehensive computer course at her local library.

“I heard my children and grandchildren mention that they had booked holidays online or seen something on the internet and it bugged me,” the Dubliner explained.

Curiosity got the better of her and she enrolled in the community-based adult education course, Computers for the Terrified, at Whitechurch Library in Rathfarnham.

“Starting off I didn’t know anything, the first time I opened a computer was at the class, but I’m amazed at the knowledge I have acquired,” she said.

Sheila said she likes to know how things work but computers had been getting the better of her.

“Now, at 98, I am no longer afraid of them. I’m sending and receiving emails and browsing the net regularly,” she said.

“I visited Durham Cathedral a few days ago. You can zoom in and get close-ups of all the details. It’s just like being there,” she said.

Social Affairs Minister Séamus Brennan presented Sheila with her certificate yesterday.

“She is a woman of remarkable spirit who would serve as an inspiration to thousands of older people who want independent lifestyles,” Mr Brennan said.

“Sheila is a wonderful example to all of us of the valuable contribution older people can make to our society, and of the value of lifelong learning,” he said.