‘Amazing’ display of photos in Nenagh

Press Photographers exhibition ‘captures the very essence of life’

Inspiring images from across Ireland and around the world remain on display in Nenagh’s Civic Offices until the end of this week.

Featuring the best work of the Press Photographers of Ireland (PPI), this is the fourth successive year that the exhibition has been brought to Nenagh. It was formally launched last week by record-breaking seven-time AIB Press Photographer of the Year Mark Condren of Cork.

Welcoming all present, Cathaoirleach of Nenagh Municipal District Cllr Phyll Bugler praised the “amazing” standard of work across the 10 categories on display. “Each image has its own story,” Cllr Bugler noted. “Happy, sporty, and some show the depths of pain and sadness.”

She acknowledged local photographer and PPI member Odhran Ducie for helping to bring the exhibition to Nenagh. Cllr Bugler said the council could always rely on Odran to cover its events, and he was “always courteous and flexible and a pleasure to deal with.”

Mr Ducie thanked Nenagh Municipal District Administrator Rosemary Joyce and Tipperary Co Council for hosting the exhibition in Nenagh again, making the point that not every county gets to have it. He also thanked Cllr Bugler and Cllr JP O’Meara for attending, and also his fellow PPI photographers, a number of whom were present. Mr Ducie furthermore acknowledged the support of AIB, without which the exhibition would not be possible.

Staff photographer with Mediahuis, Mr Condren treated those present to a captivating showcase of his work, ranging from covid-time funerals in Ireland to war in Gaza – where he visited five times – Ukraine, post-earthquake Haiti and Nepal, Ebola in Sierra Leone, journeying with refugees, with the NYPD, with rebels in Syria, to Aisling Murphy’s funeral, Michaella McCollum’s arrest in Peru, and an image of Patrick Bergin praying in Emmel Castle, Cloughjordan.

Mr Condren acknowledged the presence of Padraig Ó Flannabhra, PPI, and cited his recent publication on Shane MacGowan – ‘Songsmith: Picturing the Pogue’ – as an excellent example of finding a market for a photo book.

FACES OF NENAGH

There then followed conversation about faces of Nenagh, local photographer Ian Hassett (Nenagh Street Collective) saying there are many distinctive characters in and around the town that he would love to photograph. Mr Condren said that in his experience, most people do not mind their photograph being taken in public. “Don’t be afraid to ask,” he advised the budding photographers present.

Mr Ó Flannabhra also thanked Ms Joyce for facilitating the exhibition in Nenagh again. He praised all those who entered the AIB Press Photographer of the Year competition and said he expected to see Mr Condren back in Nenagh again.

Also in attendance was Sharon Finnegan of sponsor AIB, who observed that the exhibition “captures the very essence of life, news and human experience across the island of Ireland. Their work allows us to experience history as it is unfolding.”

Ms Joyce pointed out that the exhibition seems to bring something extra each time. Tipperary Co Council was delighted to be able to host it in Nenagh and will do so again, she said, adding her hope that one day a Tipperary photographer might win the overall award.