Representatives
from Dundalk Photographic Society travelled to Dublin on Sunday 12th February
for the National Print Competition. The Teachers Club in Parnell Square was
the venue for this years competition. This competition is a forum for individual
photographers to compete with their contemporaries nationally.
There were two sections, monochrome prints and colour prints with eight members
of the society entering prints. Three judges scored each of the entries, marking
each print out of 9, with scores of 21 and over qualifying for the shortlist.
In the monochrome section 21 prints from 157 entries qualified. Of these 21
prints nine belonged to Dundalk Photographic Society members. The judges then
deliberated at length over the top 10 placings, such was the quality of these
prints. In the final shakedown 6 of the Top 10 prints belonged to club members.
Gabriel O Shaughnessy was second overall and was presented with yet another
IPF medal.
The colour print section was just as hotly contested with 213 entries. Thirty
six of these made the 21 point grade with 9 entries from club members included.
The judges took even longer in their deliberations, leaving the assembled
crowd waiting in nervous anticipation. The Top 10 were duely announced with
Colm Kane from Dundalk taking second place and an IPF medal, and four other
club photographers placed among the 10 best colour prints in the country.
Congratulations to Colm and Gabriel on their podium placing and to the other
successful photographers, Pat McHenry, Brian Hopper, Brinan Boyle, Ciaran
De Bhal, Arthur Carron, Tony McDonnell and Dundalk Photographic Society for
retaining the McGahon Shield for yet another year.
The following Thursday, the Conradh na Gaeilge building in Seatown hosted
the second round of the National League. Five of the photographic clubs in
the region were represented on the night. Dundalk Photo Society held a 6 point
lead from round one and tension was high in the packed clubrooms as the judge
cast a critical eye over each print, before making a brief comment and awarding
points out of 10.
Each club, had their best work on show on the night in an effort to qualify
for the National League Finals, however DPS extended their lead impressively
over their rivals from Drogheda and Mid-Louth, Monaghan and Navan and came
out on top. To add to what was a very successful night for the club, DPS member
Arthur Carrons entry in the Colour Section was awarded best print on the night.
Dundalk Photographic Society will now challenge representative clubs from
all over the country in Dublin in April in an effort to once again be crowned
Best Photographic Club in Ireland.
Internationally, club members continue to enter Salons and FIAP points are
coming in thick and fast. Recent Salon acceptances have come from Luxembourg
for Ciaran De Bhal and from Venice for Denis Whelehan. The picture below show
Denis being presented with the Gold and Silver medals he won in the Venetian
International Salon.