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SILVER SURFER AWARD FOR GOLDEN OLDIE: 87-year-old Francie Murray from Castlelyons, displaying his silver surfer certificate having been short-listed for a golden IT award. Photo: John Ahern

Born in an era of horse power, a Castlelyons pensioner has been formally recognised for embracing technology and using it to enhance his quality of life.

87-year-old Francie Murray from Castlelyons was relaxing at home this week after a visit to Google headquarters in Dublin, which hosted a 'silver surfer' awards ceremony - held in conjunction with Age Action, Ireland. Having been shortlisted for a Golden IT Award, Francie was presented with a framed citation.

"Annmarie Walsh of Age Action nominated me, it was a very interesting experience, we got treated very well and I was delighted to be shortlisted, George Hook was the MC," Francie told The Avondhu.

NO BARRIERS

A man who has suffered his own share of loss in recent times, Francie has his daughter, Enda to thank for giving him a second hand computer in 2000. That modest gift was the beginning of a technological journey that would see him become proficient in the use of a computer and ultimately paved the way for his journey into the literary world - Francie has 3 books to his name: 'Them Golden Fields I Trod', 'Ploughing A Lone Furrow' and a book of poems by Heather Belle.

A native of Kilwatermoy, Francie spent his formative years employed on the Moorehill Estate and his experience of working the land and his interaction with rural people have been the inspiration behind much of his writing. A late comer to the world of IT, but now well versed in composing documents, e-mailing, Google searches and downloading, Francie Murray is living proof that with a positive attitude anyone, regardless of their age, can learn and master the virtual world of the all powerful computer.

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