Dundalk Photographic Society’s annual exhibition and Image of the Year competition was officially opened by Councillor Mark Deary. The opening attracted many local people with an interest in photography and the feedback was very positive. Mr. Deary spoke eloquently and knowledgeably about photography in general. He also singled out a number of prints for special mention and gave an insightful commentary on each.
Anne Sutcliffe, a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, was judge for the Image of the Year Competition. Ms. Sutcliffe had spent most of Friday determining who the prize winners were to be. During her opening speech she did remark at the quality and standard achieved by the members of the society and congratulated the members on their achievements during the year at club level, nationally and internationally. She also expressed her delight at the fact that club members had managed to amass in excess of 16 international medals in the four months of 2006.
Chairman Brian
Hopper, thanked both Ms. Sutcliffe and Cllr. Deary for their comments and
then announced the prize winners.
In the colour prints section David Martin, Ciaran De Bhal and Pat McHenry
were all singled our for commendations. Highly commended were Siobhan Grehan,
Denis Smyth and Ciaran De Bhal. Third place went to Marty Garland for his
print “Memories”. Second went to Tony McDonnell for “Old Tailor”
and First place was awarded to Arthur Carron for his wonderful print “Girl
at Window”.
In the monochrome section, Brian Hopper, Gillian Harte were commended twice and once respectively. Highly commends went to Declan Gernon, Ciaran De Bhal and Gabriel O Shaughnessy. Denis Whelehans print “Cyclists” was third place, “Chair and Shoes”, came a creditable second for Ciaran De Bhal while the top monochrome print was awarded to Arthur Carron for “Womans World”.
The Slides section
commends were awarded to Tony McDonnell and Pat McHenry. Highly commended
was awarded to Colm Kane, Declan Gernon and Denis Whelehan.
Tony McDonnells, “Interior” took third place, Colm Kanes, “Memories”
took second and Denis Whelehan deservedly got the honours with “Curious
Sheep”.
The Image of
the Year award went to Arthur Carrons “Girl at Window” and deservedly
so. This is the prize most coveted by club members and the one each member
wants to win.
“Red Flower” by Siobhan Grehan took the Best Non Advanced print.
In a special Digital Section, Ciaran De Bhal was awarded top prize for his
humorous print, “Dogs Can Read”.
Congratulations to all prize winners and indeed each and every club member for their efforts and contribution during the year. Thanks also to our sponsors without whose help, our task would be that more difficult. Some images from the event can be viewed here.
The exhibition ran until Saturday May 6th the County Museum, Jocelyn Street and was well worth visiting. Club members will continue to meet informally on Thursday nights over the Summer break. The club resumes again in September and the successful Beginners Photography Class will commence in October.