Ireland’s stories in images for 2023 will continue its nationwide tour when the AIB Press Photographer of the Year Award exhibition goes on public display on Monday, April 22nd at Waterford Central Library at Lady Lane.
The exhibition will be on display for three weeks in the library for visitors to enjoy until Monday, May 13th 2024.
It features 114 images in total capturing life, both at home and abroad during 2023 and showcases the very best of Irish press photography.
The AIB Press Photographer of the Year Award 2024 was presented at a special ceremony in Dublin earlier this year by An Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD in addition to winners of 10 individual categories – News, Daily Life & People, Sports Action, Sports Feature, Portrait, Nature & the Environment, Politics, Arts & Entertainment, Reportage and Multimedia in addition to the AIB Sustainability Award.
Alan Betson of the Irish Times was awarded the trophy with his portfolio praised by the judges for its huge versatility. This was the fourth occasion that the Meath resident has won the prestigious title now in its 46th year. Betson won praise for his ability to find the unusual in everyday life and outstanding news photography, with the judges commenting: “The overall Photographer of the Year Award goes to a photographer who showed huge versatility. Their portfolio showcased outstanding news photography as well as a strong eye for quirky daily life images. They are well able to compose images and have a strong sense of design, a keen perceptive eye and the ability to find the unusual in the everyday. The judges were unanimous in their selection”.
Commenting ahead of the exhibition’s visit to Waterford City Library, David Branigan, President of the Press Photographers Association of Ireland, said, “We are delighted that the exhibition will continue its tour of Ireland with a trip to Waterford this April. We hope that visitors from the local area and beyond will enjoy browsing through the award-winning and highly acclaimed imagery which demonstrates the hard work and commitment of our Irish press photographers.”
Waterford Librarian Tracy McEneaney is delighted Alan Betson, AIB Press Photographer of the Year, will be attending the official launch by Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway at Central Library at 6.30pm on Wednesday April 24th.
“We are excited that the exhibition is returning to Waterford again this year. As Central Library is the only venue in Waterford hosting the PPAI Exhibition, we would encourage everyone to come along to see the very best of Irish press photography.”
To view the full portfolio of winning and highly commended images from the AIB Press Photographer of the Year Award 2024 visit www.pressphotographers.ie
You can also find more details at www.waterfordlibraries.ie
