The oldest student in Ireland yesterday received a certificate for successfully completing a course in computers - on the eve of her 99th birthday.
At an adult education awards ceremony in Whitechurch Library, Ballyboden, Dublin, attended by Minister for Social and Family Affairs Séamus Brennan, Sheila White said "keeping interested" was the key to her success.
"I never get bored. There is too much going on around the world to get bored . . . I would say to other people, take every opportunity that's going and get as much knowledge as you can."
Ms White, a former civil servant with the Revenue Commissioners who celebrates her 99th birthday today, said she had enrolled in a course entitled "Computers for the terrified" out of "sheer curiosity". This was after she heard family members talking about booking holidays and seeing things "online".
"I loved the course. The more I got into it, the more interested I became," she said. "I don't get the time to use my computer for too long - I'm too busy - but it's there if I want it. I like surfing."
Ms White, also a keen painter, completed a second course, "Introduction to social history". While she would not rule out taking further courses in the future, she said she had nothing planned at the moment. "At 99, what do you expect me to do?" she asked.
Describing Ms White as a "21st-century heroine", Mr Brennan said he hoped her example would encourage other older learners to return to education.
He was determined to increase access to computers and training for older people, raise interest levels in computers, and enter discussions with computer companies about providing older people with computers at a reduced price.