Famous faces of Limerick in front of the lens for Special Olympics

President Michael D Higgins and racing magnate JP McManus are among more than 50 people photographed for a Limerick exhibition.

After two decades behind the lens, photographer Cormac Byrne has fulfilled a dream to present the Faces of Limerick exhibition in the city’s Hunt Museum.

The 53 portraits include politicians, broadcasters, rugby players, former mayors, fashionistas and President Higgins, who was born in Limerick and lived there until age five.

“This was something I always wanted to do. They are people who were born and bred in Limerick. Some were taken in the studio, others were taken on the street and the lighting and mood is different, but the common thread is Limerick,” said Mr Byrne.

Among those captured are businessman JP McManus; rugby player Paul O’Connell; BBC broadcaster Terry Wogan, composer Bill Whelan and TV presenter Emma O’Driscoll.

Munster lock and Ireland captain Paul O' Connell pictured as part of the 'Faces of Limerick' exhibition at the Hunt Museum.

Dr Ed Walsh, University of Limerick founding president, also featured, praised the “superb, world-class photographs”: “They bring to life the whole variety of the good citizens of Limerick who contribute to the community.”

All proceeds from the sale of the framed images will go towards the Munster branch of Special Olympics Ireland.