Mark Condren, 2026 Press Photographer of the year, Clare photographers Eamon Ward and John Kelly pictured with Niall Kearns, Airport Director, Shannon Airport (centre) and Dan Linehan, President of Press Photographers Ireland as the Press Photographers of Ireland exhibition opens at Shannon Airport. Photograph: Don Moloney.
FOR the second year in a row, Shannon Airport is hosting the Press Photographers Ireland CLG Exhibition which this year features the work of two esteemed Ennis based photographers.
Work from Ireland’s top press photographers are included in the exhibition which opened on Monday morning at the check-in area of Shannon Airport. The exhibition showcases all winning and shortlisted entries for the AIB Press Photographer of the Year Awards, featuring more than 100 striking photographs that capture Ireland’s story throughout 2025 across eleven categories including news, sport, politics and entertainment.
Ennis’ Eamon Ward, a freelance photographer finished third place in the nature and environment category for his shot of a lightning summer storm on Lahinch beach in August. He was shortlisted in the arts and entertainment section for a photograph of Evie O’Connor of the Clarecastle/Ballyea Céilí Band during the Harvest Festival in Bunratty Castle and also of Dublin duo Maria Montcalm and Emma Rothwell during a reading party at Sweet n Green café for the Ennis Book Club Festival.
Ward was also shortlisted in the reportage category for his work on the funeral of Patty McMahon who was one of the final residents of Scattery Island where she made her journey home for the final time.
John Kelly, a native of Mullagh and a photographer with The Clare Champion for the last thirty five years was shortlisted in the daily life and people category. His photograph is of the Fleming brothers Cathal and Conor from Newmarket-on-Fergus who are attending to one month old baby Darragh outside Cleary’s Bar in Miltown Malbay during the Willie Clancy summer school.
Clare senior camogie player Niamh Mulqueen also features in the exhibition. Sportsfile’s Brendan Moran has an action shot of the Broadford woman chasing Cork’s Saoirse McCarthy during the Munster senior camogie championship where she has lost the hurley which still happens to be controlling the sliotar.
Mark Condren of Mediahuis Ireland was named AIB Press Photographer of the Year for a record seventh time, with awards across six categories.
Speaking at Monday’s launch, Niall Kearns, Airport Director at Shannon Airport stated, “Press photographers play a vital role in documenting history as it happens, capturing images that stay with us long after the moment has passed. We are proud to host this remarkable exhibition at Shannon Airport, giving our passengers and visitors the opportunity to experience over 100 powerful photographs that defined Ireland in 2025”. The exhibition runs until September 14th and is available to view for free.
Dan Linehan, President of Press Photographers Ireland CLG, said: “The work on display here at Shannon Airport is a powerful reminder of the need, not only for truthful images, but also technical skills and creativity. This has never been truer now in an era of external noise, and AI-generated doubt. These images showcase the towns, villages, events, news and people that make up the Ireland of 2025 and we’re delighted to have them showcased here in Shannon Airport”.
Linehan who retired as a staff photographer with The Irish Examiner in December after a remarkable forty five year career said that press photographers were “totally dedicated to their jobs”.
To be named press photographer of the year for a seventh time is “an unbelievable honour,” Condren stated. He shared a selection of images from his catalogue while recounting the tale of getting his first camera for his confirmation. He spoke of raising funds for Temple Street Hospital with a book which showcased photographs from inside the workings of An Garda Síochána for over two years. In separate projects, he was with the New York Police Department and included an image of Clare native Tommy O’Donnell.
“Our job can change every minute, with a national newspaper you can end up anywhere,” Mark outlined. He spoke of travelling to Ukraine, Haiti, Gaza, Somalia, Nepal and Sierra Leona for various assignments with The Irish Independent. “Never be afraid to ask anyone for a photograph,” Mark told the exhibition launch.
