The Irish Journalist


10


Garry O'Neill's 'Shoulder to Shoulder' which won a Local Ireland Media Award for Regional Newspapers. Dirty game snaps top award by Saoirse McGarrigle


The “dirt of the amateur game” and how it contrasts with professional rugby was the theme behind an award winning shot by Wicklow photographer Garry O’Neill.


Captured during a club match, his photo entitled “Shoulder to Shoulder” won the top photographic prize at the inaugural Local Ireland Media Awards for Regional Newspapers. This is the latest feat for the staff photographer with the People Newspaper Group who has previously had successes in the Press Photographer of the Year awards.


The winner was chosen by a panel of expert judges, comprised of the former press ombudsman Dr John Horgan, renowned photographer Tom Lawlor and Irish Independent GAA correspondent Eugene McGee.


The photo was taken during a Leinster League match between Arklow and Ardee, which coincided with the start of the Six Nations tournament. “I was trying to show the difference between the glamour of the professional game and the dirt and


Staff photographer with the People Newspaper group and INMR Garry O'Neill with editor of the group Jim Hayes pictured at the awards' ceremony


love the amateurs just play the game for,” said Garry, a member of the South East Branch. He added: “It would be unusual for a sports pic to win the top award anywhere as news pics normally are very strong; it was the largest category entry in the Local Media Awards.”


During a ceremony in January he was presented with a copper and bronze trophy that was handcrafted by sculptor Paddy McCormack.


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