The Three Paddys and the Silver Surfer Awards

Silver Surferpresentation “Hobbies on the Net” at The Helix, D.C.U.

Local heroes, Castlemagner men Paddy Tobin and Paddy McAuliffe and Banteer man Paddy Buckley, locally known as The Three Paddys have for many years now, established a friendly bond and alliance, in sharing their passion for videography, photography and archiving of local events, places, and faces, including photo and video compilations, documentaries and interviews, leading to a precious, timeless archive of memories which would otherwise have been been lost in the annals of time. Preserving memories is in such ways, is in itself, a sacred act, and as the years pass, such memories only increase in value.
In acknowledgement of their continued passion and solid unity of friendship, a fitting tribute and honour was bestowed on these three fine gentlemen in a historic day of awards at the famous Helix venue in Glasnevin, Dublin, on Tuesday last, 28th of May. They were bestowed the honour of overall winners in their category, Hobbies On The Net which involved shooting and editing short films, a skill they are now using to preserve a legacy of memories for peoples’ families to be passed onto future generations. They continue to document the memories of older people in their community, editing in photos of the person’s life and locality, to produce a film. The film covers the person’s life story which can then be shared digitally with the wider community and family members. To date they have recorded the life stories of almost 30 older people in the region.
Great credit is also due to Castlemagner’s Louise Bourke, SAOI Networking Coordinator at IRD Duhallow, who nominated the heroes for the prestigious Silver Surfer Awards, which is now in its 10th year. It was at IRD Duhallow where The Three Paddys initiated their career where they completed a course over several months titled ‘Memory Through Media’. Shortlisted to five they were summoned to attend the award ceremonies. A rapturous applause broke out from all the supporters who travelled with them when the winning award was announced, an emotional moment for all, including family members as well as neighbours and friends who travelled to support them on the day. This prestigious award included for each Paddy a Digital Tablet, an iPhone and a framed certificate in a plaque. Entertainment was also provided by the Sea Sharps Male Voice Choir and The Barbershop Chorus. Food was also provided. Seán Radley of Millstreet was also shortlisted for an award, having already been honoured with a community award prize 2016. Seán was nominated in the Community Champion IT award category. We wish Seán all the best in his valued continued community work.
Castlemagner Sinsir Club, of which all three winners are members and generous contributors, wish to extend many hearty congratulations to The Three Paddys on their special award and continued success in their voluntary community work which is dear to their heart and has to date contributed so much to the club and the wider community and beyond.