The Irish Post's photographers have had a busy 2013 capturing the year's most memorable moments. Here are a selection of photographs picked by each of them to represent their highlights of the year.
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Chris Egan
Geordon Murphy: Pic One
Former Irish international and Leicester Tigers player Geordon Murphy lifting the 2013 Aviva Premiership Cup.
Announcing his retirement shortly prior to the game and then winning the premiership certainly meant Murphy ended his playing career on a high.
He was part of the 2009 squad that won Ireland’s first grand slam in 61 years alongside Ronan O’Gara and Brian O’Driscoll both of which also announced their retirement in 2013.
It’s not just a picture of celebration but also a reminder of the sea change in Ireland’s international team that occurred in 2013.
GAA: Pic Two
The picture is not about John Mitchells winning the All-Britain Junior Football Championship it’s about the ever increasing role the GAA in Britain is playing within the Irish Communities in Britain.
Earlier in the year Roger Casements Secretary Louisa Murphy remarked after going into hospital that it was the local GAA club in Coventry that was her second family and with so many family members still back in Ireland it was the club she thanked for the support given.
It seems that it is the GAA field that the new generations of Irish in Britain are turning to for support, whether it be potential employment opportunities, housing or friendship.
On lifting the Cup, Mitchells Captain Paddy Mulligan remarked that that many of the players had met while playing at university in Britain and “when they went back home” it was memories of these games here that they would be taking with them.
“When they get back home” is a statement that must ring deep for every generation that leave Ireland and something that is shared across them all. It’s a very poignant moment to hear this said on a GAA field after such a great game. Then the celebrations began as captured in the picture.
Birmingham St Patricks Parade: Pic Three
This Birmingham St Patrick’s Day Parade could have been one of a number of pictures which showcases Irish culture and heritage in Britain.
One of, if not the biggest date in the Irish calendar is St Patricks Day, the picture shows Sophie Rossiter wearing a special outfit that her grandparents had sent over from Ireland.
I choose this particular picture because little Sophie was throwing a right little hissy fit when I walked up with the parade. I spotted the outfit and said hi to mum and on the promise of a helium balloon for Sophie, I got a lovely smile.
Warwick Folk Festival: Pic Four
The Warwick Folk Festival got a distinctive Irish makeover this year with the twinning of the Cork Folk Festival which took part in October. Picture shows one of the many acts Jess Morgan; an English folk singer/song writer from Norwich.
The relatively unknown Jess captures the 2013 resurgence is traditional and folk music with the likes of Mumford and Sons, Dervish and Lunasa leading the way.
The picture also represents the diversity of coverage in this year’s Rí-Rá supplement of the Post.
From the boy from Donegal, Daniel O’Donnell to the hard house trance of Lisa Lashes, from indie to Pop from internationally established acts to unsigned, up and coming artists, this year has seen them all covered.
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Danny Claffey
Con Moloney Wake: Pic One
Back in February popular well known Manchester based flute player Con Moloney from Tipperary organised his own wake, and not only that, he took part in it.
Stricken with cancer and having only weeks to live, Con decided to go out in style and invited all of his family and friends to his wake at the St Kentigern's club on a Sunday afternoon.
The place was packed, and over 60 traditional musicians went along to wish Con all the best with a massive traditional music seisún that lasted well into the night.
Con passed away a few weeks later, and will never be forgotten in Manchester and beyond. Con is pictured here third from right playing his tin whistle in the seisún, his mother in mauve behind him.
St Patrick's Day Parade: Pic Two
These young kids were delighted to take part in the Manchester St Patrick's Parade and made sure that they were photographed by covering themselves in the Irish colours. They certainly displayed the spirit and Irishness of the day and were obviously enjoying themselves.
Danny O'Donoghue: Pic Three
Danny O'Donoghue and the boys from The Script had Manchester rocking when they appeared at the M.E.N. Arena back in March as part of the Manchester Irish Festival.
They had the audience eating out of their hands from the first to the last number and the atmosphere was electric. Being a good bit older than most of the audience I didn't think I would like it much, but I came away humming and promptly bought their latest album!
O'Donoghue was very charismatic and easy to photograph as I was right next to the stage. My hearing came back the following night!
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Holly McGlynn
Kodaline at Scala: Pic One
I got a call from The Irish Post about an hour before this gig asking me to shoot it.
I’d never shot in the photographer’s pit at a gig before, suffice to say there are some hard and fast rules I was oblivious to and broke with carefree abandon.
I was forcibly removed from the photographer’s pit for overstaying my welcome (there’s a three song limit on how long you can stay – who knew?) but it was so exciting.
Kodaline have a massive career ahead of them so it was great to capture them on the cusp of their burgeoning success.
Brendan Dempsey: Pic Two
The London Irish Comedy Festival 2012 was the first job I ever did for The Irish Post so I was delighted to shoot the festival again in 2013.
This photo was taken in the green room during the interval of one of the shows. The light for the show was too low to shoot properly so I tried to get some good shots of the comedians in the green room.
Brendan Dempsey obliged with a series of Zoolander-esque poses; this one is my favourite.
Paul Costelloe: Pic Three
I was a little start struck when introduced to legendary Irish designer, Paul Costelloe but I managed to blurt out a few words to ask him if I could take his portrait.
Paul showed up at the Irish Post Business Gala dinner wearing a dinner jacket and chic white scarf teamed with jeans and white Converse!
I love when people break the rules of formal wear so Paul’s relaxed take on black-tie attire really made me smile.
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Mal McNally
Tomás O'Leary Hurling With Fulham Irish: Pic One
I like this shot for a couple of reasons. London Irish and Ireland rugby player Tomás O'Leary has a real love for hurling and was thoroughly enjoying the session.
He was pretty skilful with the hurley and was enjoying the banter with the Fulham Irish boys. The second reason I like it is because of the background, with the imposing Wormwood Scrubs prison behind him.
When Michael Flatley met Michael Flatley: Pic Two
Taken at the Irish Post Awards in October.
The two Michael Flatleys were having a great laugh together, with the former Irish Post Michael Flatley regaling some funny escapade where had been mistaken for the Lord of the Dance.
A fun shot from a great night for The Irish Post.
James Gray: Pic Three
James Gray with some of the hundreds of Christmas cards and gifts that had just been delivered to him by The Irish Post.
I love the look on his face, a real contrast to the photo I took of him sitting in the same chair 11 days previously. I didn't have to say 'Smile please' for this one.
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Peter Fawcett
CCE national convention: Pic One
This photo was taken at the CCE national convention at Hardraw in Wensleydale. This was one of my best weekends of the year. Everyone got into the spirit of being out in the country side.
Mr McDonald was singing with all he had, which come out in my photo.
Wedding: Pic Two
This picture is one I took of my niece Elaine at her wedding in Killorglin Co. Kerry to Ger Coffey. I used the vista of the Churches fine roof to create this stunning image. It’s a precious memory from 2013.
