THIS dramatic picture from a camogie clash between Liatroim Fontenoy’s Aimee McAleenan and Portaferry’s Aimee Mallon in the Down Senior League has taken top prize in a sports photography competition in memory of the legendary, late Irish News photographer Hugh Russell.
Captured by Pat O’Hare, his work entitled ‘SmASHing Time’ was chosen as overall winner from an outstanding range of entries.
With both amateur and professional categories, a judging panel chaired by Irish News chief photographer Mal McCann also included Northern Ireland footballer Marissa Callaghan as well as leading photographers Kelvin Boyes and Stephen Davison.
Honouring the life of the Olympic boxing medallist and award-winning Irish News photographer Hugh, who sadly passed away in 2023, the competition was the idea of his close friend and fellow Olympian, Lady Mary Peters who will present the prizes at her annual Sport Inspires lunch in aid of the Mary Peters Trust at the Europa Hotel in Belfast on Friday, November 21 with ice skating icons Torvil and Dean as chief guests.
Sportswomen featured prominently in the final shortlist and there was also a second plae in the amateur category for female photographer Jennifer Willis.
In awarding Pat O’Hare the top professional prize, the judges said his picture “captures the very essence of sporting drama and intensity of camogie.”
“The timing is exceptional, freezing the split-second when the ash snaps under pressure, a moment that speaks volumes about the physicality and commitment in the game,” they said.
“The composition draws the viewer’s eye directly to the point of impact creating a dynamic sense of motion and tension.
“Hugh Russell, whose legacy this competition honours, would have loved this photograph.
“As someone who understood the power of a single frame to tell a story, Hugh would have admired the anticipation, precision, and emotion captured here.
“This image embodies everything he valued in sports photography a truly fitting tribute to the spirit of athleticism celebrated by this competition.”
The top amateur award went to Bob Given with ‘Hockey One on One, as well as picking up a Highly Commended for ITF Junior Tennis.
Congratulating to everyone who took part, Lady Mary Peters said: “The range and quality of entries in both the professional and amateur categories was impressive.
“Hugh would very much have enjoyed how much thought and hard work the photographers have put into each picture to tell a sporting story.
“Hugh’s own sporting story was remarkable – an Olympic bronze and two professional British boxing titles. He was a dear friend to the Mary Peters Trust, and we’re thrilled to honour him in partnership with the Irish News by creating this special sports photography competition.”
Jennifer Willis took second prize in the amateur category with this rugby pic
