Lights, camera, action!

Transition Year students on the northside got their chance to showcase their photography talents in the recent PhotoGo initiative.

Organised by Gurranabraher Credit Union, Sample-Studios in Churchfield and supported by Cork City Council Commemoration Fund, the students were asked to celebrate Cork’s northside with the theme of ‘Legacy’ to mark the centenary year of the Burning of Cork in 1920.

The competition attracted over 60 entries from TY students in St Vincent’s Secondary School and Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG.

To help students explore their photography skills, the schools took part in a series of outdoor photography workshops with artist and Sample-Studios member Kate McElroy.

Their entries have been exhibited in the windows of the Lord Mayor’s Pavilion in Fitzgerald’s Park throughout November.

As the standard of entries from students was so high, the judges decided to share the Schools Award between both schools, who will each receive €500 worth of camera equipment.

Speaking at the announcement of the winners, Aoibhie McCarthy, Artistic Director of Sample-Studios, said: “Our introduction of a new schools programme as part of PhotoGo enabled local young people to explore their creativity and celebrate their community, supported by a local artist. We're delighted to continue our partnership with Gurranabraher Credit Union and thank them for their ongoing support for PhotoGo. Photography is an accessible way for young people to be able to celebrate community and legacy during this important centenary year in Cork and take a fresh look at our communities and localities in the northside."

Gurranabraher Credit Union Vice-Chair, Michael O Connell, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of this event. It’s great to see students’ view of areas that we know and love with a new perspective. We were so impressed with the quality of the entries and we look forward to next year’s competition with excitement and anticipation.”