This article is from page 8 of the 2011-02-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
ACCLAIMED Corofin photographer Kenneth O’Halloran has won a hugely prestigious World Press Photo Award for a photo essay that tells the story of Irish country fairs.
O’Halloran, who works as a freelance photographer around the world, having been a staff photographer of with The Irish Independent for many years, scooped the honour in the annual awards scheme that are recognised as the world’s best showcase of photographic talent from around the globe.
The 42-year-old was placed 3rd in the Portraits – Stories category. It is the third major international accolade for O’Halloran this year who was also recently shortlisted for the Terry O’Neill award.
“It is a great honour to be recognised by World Press Photo,” O’Halloran told The Clare People this week after receiving his latest international recognition.
“I spent over two years travelling all over Ireland to fairs and festivals, and met hundreds of amazing people, all of whom made the collection what it is,” he added.
The photo essay included pictures taken at Spancil Hill Fair, Cahirmee Fair in Cork, and Ballinasloe Horse Fair, in Galway.
O’Halloran is a son of Eileen and Michael O’Halloran, who run an undertaking business in the town. He is a former pupil of the Christian Brothers in Ennis and is a graduate of the Dun Laoghaire School of Art and Design. As a teenager Kenneth always had an intense interest in photography and began his career by taking pictures of local events around Corofin, including communions and confirmations. He has travelled worldwide for newspapers and international aid organisations and has done some highly accalimed work for Goal and Concern.
In his career to date he has picked up over 10 national photographic awards. His photographs have appeared in major newspapers and magazines worldwide, including Paris Match and Time Magazine.
His website www.kennethohalloran.com is a wonderful showcase of his diverse portfolio, featuring everything from photo essays on his father, to a study of a family dealing with their father’s Alzheimer’s disease.
The award winning picture essay can be viewed on www.kennet hohal lor an.com/ #/ PROJ ECTS/ Fair%20Trade/1.