Southsiders are nation’s top Silver Surfers

TWO Southsiders have picked up coveted Silver Surfers awards.

Margaret Byrne (65), from Tallaght, is the overall winner of the 2018 open eir Silver Surfer Award.

She was presented with her award at a ceremony in eir’s Head Office by well-known fashion designer, TV and radio personality Brendan Courtney.

The ceremony was officially opened by Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, Jim Daly.

In addition to winning the overall award Margaret also picked up ‘The Hobbies on the Net’ award. Margaret (also known as ‘The Crafty Irish Girl’ from her hugely popular blog) is a crochet, knitting and jewellery making enthusiast who uses social media to grow the craft community, and help keep hand craft skills alive.

She has a Facebook page which she uses for sharing ideas and knitting patterns and she also provides online tutorials. Margaret is also a keen Pinterest user – with almost 1,000 people following her. She loves Twitter too, but Instagram is her favourite social media channel.

On top of embracing technology to promote her chosen craft, she actively campaigns for survivors of mesh implant complications through the online support group ‘Mesh Survivors Ireland’, of which she is a co-founder.

The group has grown to 250 survivors and has provided help to those suffering through meetups and support groups. Margaret uses Facebook, Twitter and email to reach out to younger generations who represent their older parents online, and who are suffers of mesh implant complications.

Because of her online campaigning, Health Minister Simon Harris has agreed to carry out an investigation on the matter.

The Community Champion Award was presented to David Rowe from Sandyford.

David uses technology to observe planning applications for An Taisce, and frequently makes comprehensive, online submissions on the Dun Laoghaire County Development Plan.

At 98, David doesn’t shy away from using technology to make his voice heard and often contacts policy makers with detailed maps and suggestions.

He contributes to the community magazine ‘Three Rock Panorma’, using his computer to author articles and design covers, and has edited eight books since his retirement.

David also uses IT in a number of voluntary organisations.

 John Church, CEO of Age Action, said: “We are proud to celebrate today some truly inspirational people. These Silver Surfers are challenging ageist stereotypes that the internet, social media and new technologies are only for young people.

“They’re not just doing so to improve their own lives but, in many cases, to assist their neighbours, support their communities and reach out to people.”