Photographer Pádraig’s book launch in Nenagh
Irish Red Cross benefits from publication
A PORTRAIT of a happy and smiling young harpist Ruby Walsh appears on the cover of Pádraig Ó Flannabhra's new book of photographs: Éire Dubh & Bán/Ireland Black & White, which will be launched on July 4 at Nenagh Arts Centre.
Ruby's smile beams outwards towards the viewer, as little fingers are placed delicately on either end of the harp, allowing her to peer and gaze back at the viewer. It was at a Nollaig na mBan concert on January 6, 2019 ‘An Cruitire Óg’ performed at Muintir na Tíre Community Hall, Ballycommon, Nenagh, where the photographer first encountered the young musician.
In old Gaelic society, chieftains wouldn't go far without their entourage, which included a bard and a harper. To this day, the Irish harp continues to be seen in homes and businesses around the globe, conferring its continued status as a symbol of Ireland's identity. For this and other reasons, harp images play a significant inclusion in Pádraig Ó Flannabhra's new book of photographs.
All who attend the launch of the book at Nenagh Arts Centre on Tuesday, July 4, will hear Ruby Walsh play traditional airs on harp. The happy harper will be accompanied by other musician friends and also by her mum, Louise Morgan Walsh, a clinical nurse manager at Nenagh Hospital.
Éire Dubh & Bán/Ireland Black & White is Ó Flannabhra's ninth collection, with an introduction by Dr Kevin Whelan, one of Ireland's best known and widely published scholars.
In ‘Ireland Black & White’ Pádraig the photographer once again presents readers and those who appreciate the visual image with a new vision of people, places and events in Ireland today, featuring imagery from the years 1996-2023.
The arts, a subject to the artist's own heart, are well catered for, including some of our own best-known writers, painters, poets and musicians, alongside historical events such as last year's Centenary Commemoration at Béal na Blá, West Cork.
IRISH RED CROSS
The book and its profits are in support of Crois Dhearg na hÉireann/Irish Red Cross, and in her letter of acknowledgement, philanthropy executive Irish Red Cross, Mackenzie Ellwood writes: "As we strive to provide essential services and support to those in need, we wish to thank readers and Mr Ó Flannabhra, for supporting the Irish Red Cross and its services in the purchase of this book”.
Sgt Aidan Lonergan, National Director Community Support at Irish Red Cross, will travel to be present for the launch on Tuesday next.
Asked to comment on why he decided to dedicate his work in support of Crois Dhearg na hÉireann/ Irish Red Cross, Pádraig says: “I am delighted to make this new collection available for a charity whose workers and volunteers very often find themselves at the very frontline of a global human network, helping those facing conflict and disaster; an opportunity where art meets charity.”
As Pádraig's work covers many aspects of Irish life, with strong focus on culture, it is only fitting that his Nenagh launch will be performed by Melanie Scott, Arts Officer with Tipperary County Council.
A special limited edition featuring a separate printing of a great moment as Seamus Heaney enters the Listowel Arms Hotel, at Writers Week, when all eyes fix on him, will be available on the night as well as the standard edition at Nenagh Arts Centre.
A short video of the still images set to music, will screen at the launch. Refreshments will be served and people may arrive anytime from 6-8.30pm. All are welcome. Fáilte roimh cách.