FIRST PLACE
PEOPLE & THE COAST
Conor Maguire Surfs the Largest Wave Ever Ridden in Ireland
MULLAGHMORE, CO. SLIGO
"Conor Maguire surfing the largest wave ever ridden in Ireland. An extremely special day when all the factors aligned at Mullaghmore headland. His surfing that day was nominated for the global big wave awards. Shot from jet ski with camera in an Aquatech waterproof housing."
PHOTOGRAPHER GARRY MCCALL
SECOND PLACE
PEOPLE & THE COAST
Sunset at Inch Beach
INCH BEACH, DINGLE PENINSULA, CO. KERRY
"With my family, we went on holiday’s to Dingle Peninsula. One day we went to Killarney. On the way back we stopped at Inch beach. I noticed a single kite surfer enjoying himself. The light of the setting sun was beautiful, and I decided to take a picture of him."
PHOTOGRAPHER TODOR TILEV
THIRD PLACE
PEOPLE & THE COAST
Achill Man
PURTEEN HARBOUR, KEEL, ACHILL, CO. MAYO
"I was wandering in the Purteen harbour without a camera (for a change) and spotted this man in his Curragh and thought to myself what a good subject he would be. I returned the following day and brought my camera and suitable lens and hoped he would be there. Thankfully he was and I approached and looked for permission. What a lovely man he was. We had a great chat and it turned out this is his "Covid look"! Seamus is normally a smartly dressed teacher with hair cut short. Thankfully I met him on the right occasion!"
PHOTOGRAPHER TERRY CONROY
Paradise Beach
LAYTOWN BEACH, CO. MEATH
"Unusual to see nuns in full habit nowadays and even more so to see them “having the craic” strolling along the beach in the winter’s sun. I wanted to get them unawares so I ran ahead and managed to capture that sense of fun with my long lens. Afterwards I introduced myself to the sisters (Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Convent in Ardee) and they were very open and uplifting to talk to."
PHOTOGRAPHER DAVE STANLEY
Stormy Wave Rider
FANORE BEACH, CO. CLARE
"Following one of the storms that hit the west coast last winter, hardcore windsurfers had perfect conditions to skim over the surface of the water and feel the power of the waves as they rolled onshore. Watching the colourful sails against blue steel stormy skies and sea mist is still pretty special and inspiring. Photographing these brave souls in winter weather and light conditions is a combination of planning and anticipation, always trying to capture imagery that reflects the feel of the sport and its diverse style of sailing."
PHOTOGRAPHER JOE SILKE
Lonesome Boatman
FOILEYE, KELLS, CO. KERRY
"This shot was taken just after Christmas, The 9th of Jan 2021. The sea is generally very stormy and wild during this time. However, the cold spell made for some great conditions. A local fisherman went out to check some winter gear in a small row boat. The sea looked like a lake and the fog rolling off the hills made for a perfect shot."
PHOTOGRAPHER GERARD LYNCH
Nice Day for a Dip
DOOLIN, CO. CLARE
"My picture "nice day for a dip" was taken New Year's Day 2022. We had been on a short road trip around the coast and ended up in Doolin. It was cold... the ocean was alive with huge waves and the wind was strong. I was taking pictures of the waves smashing against some rocks when I looked across and saw a large group of people in the harbour preparing to go in for a swim! In the picture, you can see the size of the waves behind. What I like about the picture is the diversity of the ages of the people and the expressions and attitudes they have. One fella is getting changed, another looks like she can't wait, a mother is holding a child, a group seem to be unsure if they should go in. The more I look at the picture the more I see."
PHOTOGRAPHER TIM BECK
Walk in the Fog
BULL ISLAND, DOLLYMOUNT STRAND, CO. DUBLIN
"Bull Island is a destination that I often visit for a walk and most of the time I bring my camera. On that day, there was a rapid change of the weather, initially, I thought it was a sand storm as there was a very strong wind. This picturesque scenery inspired me to take this photo, it was stunningly beautiful. I like the muted sounds, the shroud of grey, and the silence that comes with fog. We are born and we die alone. And the time between is like a foggy morning."
PHOTOGRAPHER ZLATINA ANGELOVA
Sunset Surfer
COPPER COAST, CO. WEXFORD
"I took this shot at Bunmahon beach during a Winter session. I was walking back from another spot when I noticed a group of surfers out so I decided to put on my 500mm zoom lens. Just got this shot before the light would have been against me as the sun was setting. It all came together though with the surfer on the wave in the foreground and the spectacular colour of the sky outlining the amazing Copper Coast coastline."
PHOTOGRAPHER STEPHEN HIGGINS
