PICTURED at the Mary Peters Track, photographer Pat O’Hare collects his trophy after winning the top professional prize in the inaugural Irish News and Mary Peters Trust Hugh Russell Sports Photography Competition.
Pat who received his award from Lady Mary Peters and Jim Gracey, Chair of the Mary Peters Trust, couldn’t attend the prize giving ceremony at the Europa Hotel earlier in November, but was thrilled to receive his award in person from Lady Mary and Jim Gracey.
Open to both amateurs and professionals, the competition honoured Hugh Russell who sadly passed away in 2023 and was a great friend and volunteer to the Trust.
Of Pat O’Hare’s winning entry, ‘SmASH’ing Time’ the judging panel said: “It captures the very essence of sporting drama and the intensity of camogie.
“The timing is exceptional, freezing the split-second when the hurl snaps under pressure, a moment that speaks volumes about the physicality and commitment in the game. 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.”
