Roscommon Cathaoirleach's Photography Award winners announced

Photo: All the winners at the ceremony on Friday.

The winners of the Roscommon Cathaoirleach’s Photography Awards have been announced, with some of the winners from the South Roscommon area.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice and Chief Executive Eugene Cummins presented awards to the winners on Friday last at Roscommon Arts Centre.

The photography theme for 2020 ‘We’re in this together’. The Cathaoirleach Award was introduced in 2018 as part of the Creative Ireland Roscommon Programme. ‘A picture paints a thousand words’ sums up perfectly the response this year.

The Cathaoirleach thanked all entrants for their interest and creative endeavours saying: “The theme this year was inevitable. The Covid pandemic has introduced many new terms - lockdown, cocooning, social distancing – but the meaning of ‘we’re in this together’ touches the hearts and souls of each and every one of our citizens.”

All photographs will be presented in an online exhibition later this year, making the job of adjudicator Brian Farrell that bit easier. Eugene Cummins commented that “the winning entries show how photography can express our responses in a very strong, a very personal and a very creative way.

Pictured are the winners of Roscommon County Council’s Cathaoirleach Awards,

Moira Delaney (under 12) and her mother Maura

Photo Title: We always have each other

Adjudicator’s Comments: A wonderful natural photograph of two, clearly, good friends which illustrates the bond between children and their pets and also reflects how, to many, these bonds helped us through a difficult time.

Karl Gilmartin (13-17) with his mother Maire

Photo Title: Codey playing his part during lockdown, having fun in the field

Adjudicator’s Comments: Absolutely perfectly timed photograph which would be a winner no matter what the brief was for its timing alone. The picture shows the delight we get from the outdoors, something many learned a bit more about during travel restrictions.

Winner 18+: Helen Maloney

Photo Title: Hello Greatgranddaughter

Adjudicator’s Comments: A very poignant moment well caught. The essence of the sacrifices people made, staying apart so we could be together again, is captured in one image.

Runner Up 18+: Damien Coman

Photo Title: How the hedge are you? My sons, Darragh & Rory, chatting to their granny, Bernadette, over the hedge during the lockdown

Adjudicator’s Comments: A well composed picture once again showing how the public reacted to social distance but kept in touch also.