Irish Examiner photographer takes home two awards

Sat, 03 Feb, 2024 - 11:18

Jack White

Irish Examiner photographer Dan Linehan took home two prizes at the 46th AIB Press Photographer of the Year awards in Dublin on Friday night.

Over 1,200 entries encompassing some of the past year’s highs and lows and showcasing the best of Irish photojournalism were received this year.

Awards across ten categories recognised “vital work” spanning the Dublin riots, devastating floods in East Cork, and welly-throwing at the National Ploughing Championships.

The judging panel led by former picture editor of The Irish Times, Frank Miller commended Mr Linehan for capturing “key moments”. Mr Linehan won the AIB Sustainability Award for his image, "Hair-Raising Devastation", showing the impact of the Midleton floods in October.

The judging panel which also included Financial Times former head of pictures Helen Healy and Shaun Botterill from Getty Images said Mr Linehan’s photo of Rosaleen O’Donnell’s destroyed hair salon brought home the “devastating effects” of flooding.

Mr Linehan also took home the second prize in the reportage category for his photos of road bowling in Cork which were described as “superb”.

“The photographer has beautifully captured all the key moments of this unique traditional sport,” they said.

Irish Examiner editor Tom Fitzpatrick said Mr Linehan has a “magic gift” of being able to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary when he takes aim with his camera.

“He is a remarkable photographer and I’m delighted to see, in particular, the recognition from his peers of the important work he did documenting the heartbreaking impact of the Midleton floods to the community there,” he said.

Irish Examiner visual media manager Jim Coughlan described Mr Linehan as a passionate and dedicated photographer, adding that he is delighted he has received the “ultimate recognition” at this year’s awards.

I am so proud of Dan. I have witnessed first-hand the late nights, long days, hard graft and patience that has become a standard for him every single day. We are very lucky to have Dan on our team."

Meanwhile, Irish Times photographer Alan Betson was named press photographer of the year for his “huge versatility” and strong sense of design.

Mr Betson also won two awards in the news category for his work on the Dublin riots in November as well as a photo of a father clutching his child following the knife attack at Parnell Square that same day.

Bryan Keane from Inpho Photography won first prize in the sports action category for his “highly artistic view” of swimmer Maria Godden doing the backstroke while Mediahuis Ireland’s Mark Condren took home the first prize in the portrait category for his image of 97-year-old sculptor Imogen Stuart.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin who was in attendance said the skills and experience needed to capture and tell the truthful story of an event in a single image, “are truly invaluable”.

“They are especially so in an increasingly unpredictable world with emerging AI capability, social media manipulation and aggressive misinformation and disinformation campaigns. Our society benefits enormously from this vital work,” he said.

Press Photographers Association of Ireland Awards 2024

News

Winner: Alan Betson, The Irish Times — Burning City