Winners of National Heritage Photography Competition Are Announced
GOTHIC SPLENDOR OF CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL & RARE SIGHTING OF RED SQUIRREL WIN TOP PRIZES IN NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK PHOTO COMPETITION
Wednesday 5th October 2011: A picture of the interior of Christchurch Cathedral by David Soanes from Tallaght, Dublin has been awarded the top prize in the 2011 National Heritage Week Photography Competition, announced today by the Heritage Council coordinators of the week.
Speaking about the competition, Michael Starrett, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council said “National Heritage Week 2011 was about history, culture and nature. The competition has been a great success with over 2500 images entered. We were delighted to receive so many engaging pictures of our diverse and rich heritage”.
The photo entitled ‘Gothic Splendor’ which won the Adult Category (21+) was taken by David Soanes. The picture illustrates the vibrant red colour of the modern chair cushions in Christchurch Cathedral within the dramatic setting of the cathedral.
Winner of the Youth Category (Youth 13-20 years) was Ben Whitley, aged 14 from Nobber, Co. Meath with his picture of the native ‘Red Squirrel’ taken on the Cooley Peninsula.
Winner of the Junior Category (Junior 7-12 years) was Patrick Dougherty from Paul Gunnarsson, aged 12 from Carrigaline, Co. Cork with his picture ‘Brief Encounter’.
“A big thank you to our judging committee who has spent a lot of time going through the all of the entries we received. It is fantastic to see the enthusiasm and passion for heritage expressed through these images. 2011 was the most successful National Heritage Week to date with nearly 1500 events taking place and a significant rise in attendance figures reported nationwide. We are delighted to announce that the dates for National Heritage Week 2012 have been set for the 18th – 26th August 2012. To get updates on all of our plans for next year, log on to www.heritageweek.ie or follow us on Facebook and Twitter”, added Mr. Starrett.
Prizes are divided among the three categories. The top prize in the adult category of a €500 voucher kindly provided by the Irish Landmark Trust to stay in one of their unique and beautiful properties is sure to be of interest for anyone planning a staycation or a short break! Additional prizes include a, €150 One4All gift voucher, €75 One4All gift voucher, €55 euro Family Heritage Card, €50 Easons vouchers and €30 Easons vouchers.
Adult Category:
Winner – David Soanes from Tallaght, Co. Dublin with ‘Gothic Splendor’
Runners Up – Andrew Joy from Killarney, Co. Kerry with ‘Into Our Hands’
and Lee Downey from Letterkenny, Co. Donegal with ‘Changing times of Magheroarty Coastline’
Youth Category:
Winner – Ben Whitley aged 14 from Nobber, Co. Meath with ‘Red Squirrel’
Runner Up –Aoife Hosey aged 18 from Quinagh, Co. Carlow with ’Living on the Edge’
Junior Category:
Winner – Paul Gunnarsson from Carrigaline, Co. Cork with ‘Brief Encounter
ENDS
Note to Editor:
The Heritage Council is the statutory body charged with identifying, protecting, preserving and enhancing Ireland’s national heritage. National heritage includes Monuments, Archaeological objects, Heritage objects, Architectural heritage, Flora, Fauna, Wildlife habitats, Landscapes, Seascapes, Wrecks, Geology, Heritage gardens and parks, and Inland waterways.
Established under the Heritage Act 1995, and operating under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, the Heritage Council provides advice to the Minister, and partners and networks with Local Authorities and a wide range of other organisations and individuals to promote Ireland’s heritage.
Further information:
Rebecca Reynolds, National Heritage Week Coordinator, 056 7770777 / 086 1719467
Michelle Tritschler, MKC Communications, 01 7038604 / 086 3846630
