Sligo photographers shoot winning wildlife pics

An Taisce's Clean Coasts Programme has announced the winning photographers of the 15th edition of the Love Your Coast photography competition, held in Richmond Barracks, Dublin. With a prize fund of €5000, the competition has attracted hundreds of amateur photographers from all around Ireland this year, each with their own unique way of capturing stunning photographs of Ireland's beautiful coastline.

William Murphy won the overall 'Photographer of the Year' title as well as 1st place in the 'People and the Coast' category in the Clean Coasts 2024 Love Your Coast photography competition with his photo 'An Fear Marbh agus an Fear ag eitilt', taken at Slea Head Drive, Dingle, Co. Kerry.

In the Wildlife and the Coast Category, two photos took top 5 spots on the shortlist. Of these John Docherty came in 4th with his photo, "Lift off", taken at Balisodare Bay capturing a black tailed godwit and its beautiful wingspan flying over the bay in Sligo. Of his photo, John said, "I was photographing the various birds in the bay on a fine bright Autumnal morning, I had focused on the Godwit just as it took flight and managed to capture its wingbeats as I had a fast shutter speed on my canon camera."

Rounding out the top 5, in 5th place was Michal Czubala, with his photo "Humpback Whale", taken at Mullaghmore capturing a rare moment of a whale breaching the water.

Michal said, "I'm seeing more Humpback Whales in Donegal Bay in the last few years. I spend many days at sea in all types of weather to try and identify, catalogue and understand the behaviour of the whales that visit the Bay. To capture a Humpback Whale breach is a very unique moment."

In the 15 years since its inception in 2010, the Love Your Coast photography competition has been a celebration of the extraordinary beauty of Ireland's coastline, that Clean Coasts' volunteers work diligently to protect.

The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is proud to support An Taisce's 'Clean Coasts Programme', in its enthusiastic engagement with marine communities in relation to marine litter and in raising public awareness and influencing positive behaviour among civil society.

Clean Coasts is also sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority. Initiatives from associated Clean Coasts groups and the Green Coast Awards act as custodians for Ireland's beaches, seas, and marine life, to maintain that they are managed appropriately and that they are litter and pollution free for our visitors to enjoy!

An Taisce's Clean Coasts Programme Manager, Bronagh Moore said: "The Love Your Coast photography competition is one of the highlights of An Taisce's Clean Coasts calendar. It is a wonderful reminder of why the work we do with communities to help protect and care for Ireland's waterways, coastline, seas, ocean and marine life, is so important.

"Seeing the beauty of our coastline captured in these photographs, you can't help but feel inspired and driven to do everything you possibly can to protect and care for our marine environment.

"Knowing we are supporting over 2,000 volunteer groups who dedicate their time to keeping our coastline and ocean litter free is hugely rewarding for our team on the ground. We'd encourage everyone to take the time to really enjoy all of these wonderful photos, be inspired by their beauty, and consider volunteering with a local Clean Coast Group.

"The Love Your Coast photography competition stands as a testament to Ireland's coastal beauty and character, as captured through the lens of talented photographers who take part in the competition year after year. Clean Coasts wants to congratulate each of the winning and shortlisted photographers and thank them for being part of this year's competition."