Ballymahon photographer rubs shoulders with Ronaldo

Ballymahon photographer Clare Frances Cassells rubbed shoulders with the stars of Real Madrid when she was engaged to work with the team during their week-long stay at Carton House in Kildare last month. Cassells, who now resides in Streamstown, assisted Dublin photographer Hugh O'Reilly, who had been engaged by sports management agency Platinum One to work as the official photographer during the Spanish giants stay in Kildare. Clare explained: "Hugh asked me to assist him on this seven-day job. The football team had three training sessions per day one at 8am, 1130am and 6pm. Hugh and I got access to all areas including been present at every conference, which both Ronaldo and Raúl González spoke at." "It was a very exciting job to be working on, plus I got to meet all the players including Ronaldo who I have to say had a lot of time for his fans who awaited eagerly outside the gates for a glimpse of Ronaldo hoping to get his autograph. He never hesitated to sign an autograph," she continued. Out of college just over year, Clare Frances is establishing a photography business in Westmeath, whilst freelancing in Dublin. At the moment, she is completing a start your own business course.