Gary, who is a Key Account Manager at Dromad Hire is also a member and the treasurer of the Carrickmacross Camera Club was announced the overall winner and swooped up the coveted prize for Image of Year 2024.

His winning photograph ‘Pannenhuis’ ( Metro Station Brussels ) caught the eye of the judges and won gold in the Urban category, Gary also picked up a highly commended accreditation for his image ‘Ornate’ in the same category on the night (see below).

The Irish Photographic federation is comprised of photographic clubs throughout the Republic of Ireland. It is a co-operative movement that is dedicated to helping Irish photographers advance the standard of their photography. It promotes awareness of photography as a highly satisfying artistic outlet and as a leisure pursuit.

The National Photography Competition took place in the Horse & Jockey, Thurles on Saturday 5th of April celebrating the creativity and imagination of Irelands up and coming photographers with thousands of entries received from clubs all over the country. Judges had a difficult decision in narrowing down to the final six.

Gary who is new to photography, took it up as a hobby during the pandemic has achieved numerous acknowledgments for his work on a European Level.

According to Gary, “It’s a great honour for me to not only win Gold for my entry into Urban category but actually get the overall Image of the year was such a remarkable achievement for me , one I couldn’t even dream of happening. My love for travel and architecture drives me to take adventures just my camera and I! The support I get from my club is phenomenal and its great to see a small club like ours doing so well.”