Paul O' Connor Photos: Blog

Parkrun 2022

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 18:45:45 GMT

A few shots from parkrun in 2022 - hopefully, there's a few more than there was in 2021!

Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #308 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 8th January 2022 Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #308 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 8th January 2022 Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #308 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 8th January 2022 Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #308 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 8th January 2022 Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #308 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 8th January 2022 Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #308 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 8th January 2022

Parkrun 2021

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 19:40:43 GMT

A few of my favourite shots from parkrun in 2021. Covid-19 restrictions meant that it was October before parkrun restarted.

My favourite images of 2020

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 19:33:55 GMT

A few of my favourite images of 2020 - not very many due to Covid-19...

Oldbridge parkrun #286: 4th January 2020Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #286 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 4th January 2020 Oldbridge parkrun #286: 4th January 2020Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #286 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 4th January 2020 Oldbridge parkrun #286: 4th January 2020Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #286 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 4th January 2020 4th January 2020: Louth v Westmeath, O'Byrne CupLouth v Westmeath in the O'Byrne Cup in Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, County Louth on Saturday 4th January 2020

2020 parkrun photos

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 19:33:32 GMT

Some photos from parkrun during 2020 - parkun was curtailed in March due to Covid-19.

GAA Photos 2020

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 19:32:00 GMT

A selection of GAA Photos from 2020 - a season curtailed by Covid!

4th January 2020: Louth v Westmeath, O'Byrne CupLouth v Westmeath in the O'Byrne Cup in Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, County Louth on Saturday 4th January 2020 4th January 2020: Louth v Westmeath, O'Byrne CupLouth v Westmeath in the O'Byrne Cup in Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, County Louth on Saturday 4th January 2020 4th January 2020: Louth v Westmeath, O'Byrne CupLouth v Westmeath in the O'Byrne Cup in Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, County Louth on Saturday 4th January 2020

2019 parkrun photos (Part 2)

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 17:48:19 GMT

2019 parkrun photos (Part 1)

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 17:48:04 GMT

My favourite parkrun photos of 2019

My favourite images of 2019

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 17:47:27 GMT

GAA Photos 2019

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 17:47:05 GMT

A pick of my favourite GAA photos from 2019

Lannleire v Glen Emmets

Thu, 09 May 2019 22:24:46 GMT

Lannleire and the Glen Emmets went head to head twice in the league within a couple of weeks. The Dunleer side came out on top of the first game in Tullyallen while the sides played out a thrilling draw in Dunleer.

Here's a few photos from the games.

Yapstone Drogheda 10k 2019

Tue, 07 May 2019 19:00:00 GMT

Some photos from the Yaptsone Drogheda 10k 2019.

You can see the full album here.

Easter at Oldbridge parkrun

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 18:14:46 GMT

Beautiful morning on Easter Saturday at Oldbridge for the 249th parkrun. Next week sees 250 parkruns since the first one on the summer solstice, June 2014.

Here's a few photos from the morning.

Glen Emmets 5k 2019

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 19:46:28 GMT

Always a great event, the Glen Emmets 5k took place yesterday in Tullyallen, County Louth with 368 people taking part.

Here's a few photos from the day.

Club Football Is Back

Sat, 09 Mar 2019 21:14:54 GMT

The 2019 club season kicked off with the Avonmore Shield.

Here's a few shots from the Glen Emmets' games in the competition.

Misty Moring, Oldbridge parkrun

Sun, 10 Feb 2019 06:28:19 GMT

A few shots from a beautiful misty morning down at Oldbridge parkrun on Saturday 19th January 2019

2018 parkrun photos

Sat, 29 Dec 2018 19:28:11 GMT

My favourite photos of parkrun in 2018

My favourite images of 2018

Sat, 29 Dec 2018 19:27:40 GMT

My favourite images of 2018

GAA Photos 2018

Sat, 29 Dec 2018 19:27:02 GMT

My favourite GAA photos from 2018.

Louth Intermediate Championship Final 2018

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 18:57:17 GMT

Great Intermediate final yesterday in The Grove, Castlebellingham as St. Mochtas beat St. Fechins 1-15 to 1-13 to earn their place in the Senior Championship for the first time in 37 years.

Club Football is back

Sat, 14 Apr 2018 21:54:05 GMT

Sunday 8th April saw the return of the Club Football Leagues in Louth.

My local club, the Glen Emmets, took on St. Mochtas of Louth village in Cusack Park Tullyallen with the away side coming out on top after a bruising encounter. It's good to see the football season starting in earnest despite the result.

A few images from the game are below.

Glen Emmets 5k Fun Run 2018

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 22:18:03 GMT

The Glen Emmets 5k Fun Run took place on Sunday, 8th March.

This is my local club so I'm probably biased but it is always an excellently organised and run event. As the saying goes, 'it was a great day for the parish' as a large turnout enjoyed the sunshine and Ardagh Hill during the run and the refreshments in the clubrooms afterwards.

Here's a few photos from the day.

Ras na hEireann 2018

Sun, 25 Feb 2018 18:30:43 GMT

One more, the Ras na hEireann was hosted in a familiar location, that being Oldbridge Estate.

Grove v Robinstown in Mell

Sat, 20 Jan 2018 21:49:40 GMT

First time shooting soccer in a while as Grove took on Robinstown last Sunday morning in a wet Mell. The pitch at Mell is a great setting perched precariously on the banks of the river Boyne. The Grove subs double-up as fishermen when a stray ball goes into the River!

GAA Photos 2017 Part 2

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 23:19:22 GMT

Second set of GAA photos from 2017

GAA Photos 2017 Part 1

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 23:19:03 GMT

A few of my favourite GAA shots from 2017

Oldbridge parkrun 2017 (September to December)

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 23:18:48 GMT

Part 2 of my favourite photos from Oldbridge parkrun 2017.

Oldbridge parkrun 2017 (January to September)

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 23:18:28 GMT

A selection of photos from Oldbridge parkrun 2017 (January to September)

Louth Clubs in Leinster

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 20:25:10 GMT

Some photos of 2 of the Louth Clubs in the Leinster Club Championship.

Junior champions Glen Emmets were beaten by Meath Hill whilst the Newtown Blues fell at the first hurdle being defeated by Rathkew of Wicklow in a very feisty affair. Both games took part in the Gaelic Grounds in Drogheda.

The Emmets bring Christy home

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 21:35:37 GMT

A few shots from the JFC Championship final in Castlebellingham last weekend when the Glen Emmets won the Christy Bellew Cup for the first time since 2012 beating Glyde Rangers in a thrilling encounter.

Championship Sunday/Saturday

Sun, 17 Sep 2017 17:35:23 GMT

A few pics from Glen Emmets v Lannleire in the Louth JFC semi-final in Drogheda last weekend and the replay of the match which took place in Stabannon yesterday.

Oldbridge parkrun 150 and Boyne 10k

Wed, 03 May 2017 21:14:30 GMT

Busy weekend with the 150th Oldbridge parkrun on Saturday followed by the Boyne 10k on Sunday

Here's a selection of photos from both

Oldbridge Sunshine

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 21:49:19 GMT

We had a beautiful sunny morning for Oldbridge parkrun last weekend, the first indication that we are heading towards summer!

Saturday was the 147th uninterrupted week of Oldbridge parkrun. The 99 participants bring the total number of people who have completed the 5k to 2,707 (completing 14,228 runs).

Here are a few shots from Saturday morning.

Weekend Running

Thu, 06 Apr 2017 22:30:16 GMT

Busy weekend with Oldbridge parkrun on Saturday and the Glen Emmets 5k Fun Run on the Sunday.

Smashing weather for both...

The Louth Derby

Sun, 02 Apr 2017 08:39:00 GMT

Took a spin down to Dundalk for the Louth Derby in Oriel Park. First time I can remember I've seen Drogheda play Dundalk.

A big crowd turned out for the game with Dundalk claming bragging rights over the Drogs winning by 3 goals to 1.

I even managed to survice a couple of trips through the notorious 'Shed'!

This Is Ardee!

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 19:18:03 GMT

It is always nice to see my photos put to use.

This week, my shots from Square United v Ardee Celtic made it to the mighty www.thisisardee.ie, an excellent local news website.

The Beautiful Game

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 12:22:42 GMT

Shot 2 football matches over the weekend.

First up was a trip to United Park to see Drogheda United loose to Bohemians on Saturday night in the SSE Airtricity Premier League.

On Sunday, I took a trip down to Ardee for the local derby match which saw Square United square up to Ardee Celtic. Glorious sunshine and a bumper crowd made for a great occasion with Ardee Celtic coming out on top winning by the odd goal in five.

Louth Abu - 4 from 4

Fri, 17 Mar 2017 18:52:03 GMT

Louth made if 4 wins from 4 with a 2-10 to 1-11 victory over Antrim in the Gaelic Grounds on 5th March.

Below are a few shots from the game.

Sunday Morning... NEFL

Fri, 17 Mar 2017 00:26:17 GMT

Had a couple of hours to pass so took a few shots at the NEFL game between Lourdes Celtic and BJD Celtic in Moneymore. The home side went 3-0 ahead, missed a penalty, then had 2 players sent off after a 'fracas'. The game was delicately poised at 3-2 when I had to leave.

Must try and get to another soccer match before the season is up.

January Recap: Oldbridge

Sun, 05 Mar 2017 11:20:38 GMT

I only managed to shoot one Oldbridge parkrun during January as core volunteering positions needed filling. We had some beautiful clear, crisp mornings in Oldbridge early in 2017. It's hard to beat the combination of winter sun on the frosty landscape.

Here are a few shots from parkrun on January 21st

The League is back!

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 23:41:16 GMT

Having recorded a 2-16 to 0-9 win over Laois under lights in O'Moore park the previous Saturday, Louth made it 2 wins from 2 in the National League Division 3 with a gutsy 0-11 to 0-10 win over Longford in Drogheda on Sunday 12th February. The game ended in controversy as Monaghan referee Niall McKenna blew the whistle a minute early. It later transpired that he had indicated 3 (not the 4 that was announced) minutes at the end of the second half.

Here are some shots from the encounter.

Dubs beat the Wee County in O'Byrne Cup Final

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 23:34:16 GMT

A few shots from the O'Byrne Cup Final 2017 which saw Dublin beat Louth 2-16 to 1-10 on a rainy Sunday afternoon in the Gaelic Grounds Drogheda.

Ras na hEireann 2017

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 21:58:07 GMT

Having ran in the race many moons ago, it's nice to take a few shots at the Ras Na hEireann.

Having moved from its' ancestral home of Dunleer a number of years back, the race has made Oldbridge Estate its' home.

Here's a few shots from the event:

Feedback

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 23:52:04 GMT

It's always nice to get some feedback on photos.

The album from a foggy Oldbridge parkrun got lots of comments on the Facebook page for the event.

The album had a reach of almost 2,500 people in less than 24 hours!

New Year's Eve Oldbridge parkrun

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 10:59:27 GMT

It was Christmas Eve.. at Oldbridge parkrun

Thu, 29 Dec 2016 12:45:12 GMT

Christmas Eve saw a bumper crowd of 138 turn out to complete the 5k course at Oldbridge parkrun. This was just 4 short of the highest turnout of 2016, the 142 recorded on June 18th. In all, 4951 finishers have been recorded to date at Oldbridge in 2016.

Spirits were high with Santa Hats, Christmas Jumpers and even shopping bags spotted around the course.

Misty Morning, Oldbridge parkrun

Tue, 27 Dec 2016 12:38:28 GMT

Winter Solstice 2016 in The Boyne Valley

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 10:43:10 GMT

Wednesday marked the shortest day of 2016 and as is tradition, crowds gathered at Newgrange Neolithic Passage tomb in The Boyne Valley early in the morning to celebrate the event.

With a clear sky, the rising sun illuminates the inner chamber of the passage tomb. Unfortunately, cloudy conditions prevented the illumination from occurring but that failed to dampen the spirits of revellers outside.

Come evening, many of the same people relocated the short distance to Dowth Passage tomb to watch the sun set over The Boyne Valley. The setting sun illuminates the South chamber of the passage tomb. The Office of Public Works (POW) open the passage to the public for one hour to view the illumination.

GAA Photos 2016

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 10:24:54 GMT

As is tradition at this time of year, a few of my favourite GAA photos from 2016

Louth v Offaly in the Bord na Mona O'Byrne Cup Group B at Darver Centre of Excellence, Darver, Co. Louth on Sunday 3rd January 2016 Louth v Offaly in the Bord na Mona O'Byrne Cup Group B at Darver Centre of Excellence, Darver, Co. Louth on Sunday 3rd January 2016 Louth v Offaly in the Bord na Mona O'Byrne Cup Group B at Darver Centre of Excellence, Darver, Co. Louth on Sunday 3rd January 2016 Louth v Offaly in the Bord na Mona O'Byrne Cup Group B at Darver Centre of Excellence, Darver, Co. Louth on Sunday 3rd January 2016 Louth v DIT in the Bord na Mona O'Byrne Cup in Darver Centre of Excellence, Darver, County Louth on Sunday 10th January 2016 Louth v DIT in the Bord na Mona O'Byrne Cup in Darver Centre of Excellence, Darver, County Louth on Sunday 10th January 2016 Louth v DIT in the Bord na Mona O'Byrne Cup in Darver Centre of Excellence, Darver, County Louth on Sunday 10th January 2016

Spectators watch the action as Louth play Meath in the Bord na Mona O'Byrne Cup Semi-Final in the Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, Co. Louth on Sunday, 18th January 2016

Louth v London in the Allianz National League Division 4 in the Louth Centre of Excellence, Darver, County Louth on Sunday, 31st January 2016 Louth v London in the Allianz National League Division 4 in the Louth Centre of Excellence, Darver, County Louth on Sunday, 31st January 2016 Louth v London in the Allianz National League Division 4 in the Louth Centre of Excellence, Darver, County Louth on Sunday, 31st January 2016

Glen Emmets v Cuchulainn Gaels in Round 1 of the Kevin Mullen Shield in Cusack Park, Tullyallen on Sunday 28th February 2016 Louth v Wicklow in the Allianz National League Division 4 in the Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, County Louth on Sunday 28th February 2016 Louth v Wicklow in the Allianz National League Division 4 in the Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, County Louth on Sunday 28th February 2016 Louth v Wexford in the Allianz National League Division 4 in the Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, County Louth on Sunday 27th March 2016 Louth v Wexford in the Allianz National League Division 4 in the Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, County Louth on Sunday 27th March 2016 Louth v Wexford in the Allianz National League Division 4 in the Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, County Louth on Sunday 27th March 2016

Glen Emmets v John Mitchells in the Louth Division 3 League in Cusack Park, Tullyallen on Tuesday 26th April 2016 Glen Emmets v St. Nicholas in the Louth Gaelic Football Division 3 League in Cusack Park, Tullyallen, County Louth on Friday 13th May 2016 Glen Emmets v St. Nicholas in the Louth Gaelic Football Division 3 League in Cusack Park, Tullyallen, County Louth on Friday 13th May 2016 Glen Emmets v St. Nicholas in the Louth Gaelic Football Division 3 League in Cusack Park, Tullyallen, County Louth on Friday 13th May 2016

Glen Emmets v Cuchulainn Gaels in the Louth Football Division 3 League on Tuesday 24th May, 2016 in Cusack Park, Tullyallen, County Louth Glen Emmets v Cuchulainn Gaels in the Louth Football Division 3 League on Tuesday 24th May, 2016 in Cusack Park, Tullyallen, County Louth

Glen Emmets v Westerns in the Kevin Mullen Shield Quarter Final at Cusack Park, Tullyallen, County Louth on Tuesday 6th June 2016 Glen Emmets v Westerns in the Kevin Mullen Shield Quarter Final at Cusack Park, Tullyallen, County Louth on Tuesday 6th June 2016

Oldbridge parkrun 2016

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 14:44:50 GMT

Another year of taking photos at the wonderful Oldbridge Estate for Oldbridge parkrun.
Here's a selection of my favourite photos from 2016..

Oldbridge Parkrun #59 at Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 1st August 2015 Oldbridge Parkrun #59 at Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 1st August 2015 Oldbridge Parkrun #82 at Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 9th January 2016 Oldbridge Parkrun #82 at Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 9th January 2016 Oldbridge Parkrun #82 at Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 9th January 2016

Photos from the 86th Oldbridge parkrun on Saturday 6th February 2016 in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath Photos from the 86th Oldbridge parkrun on Saturday 6th February 2016 in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath Photos from the 86th Oldbridge parkrun on Saturday 6th February 2016 in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath Photos from the 86th Oldbridge parkrun on Saturday 6th February 2016 in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath

Oldbridge Parkrun #90 at Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 5th March 2016 Oldbridge Parkrun #90 at Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 5th March 2016 Oldbridge Parkrun #90 at Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 5th March 2016

Photos from the 93rd Oldbridge parkrun on Saturday 26th March 2016 in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath

Oldbridge parkrun #100 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 14th May, 2016 Oldbridge parkrun #100 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 14th May, 2016 Oldbridge parkrun #100 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 14th May, 2016 Oldbridge parkrun #100 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 14th May, 2016 Oldbridge parkrun #100 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 14th May, 2016 Oldbridge parkrun #100 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 14th May, 2016

Oldbridge parkrun #101Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #101 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday May 2016. Oldbridge parkrun #101Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #101 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday May 2016. Oldbridge parkrun #101Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #101 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday May 2016.

Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #102 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 28th May, 2016. Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #102 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 28th May, 2016. Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #102 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 28th May, 2016. Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #102 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 28th May, 2016.

Oldbridge parkrun #104 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 11th June 2016 Oldbridge parkrun #104 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 11th June 2016 Oldbridge parkrun #104 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 11th June 2016

Oldbridge parkrun #108Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #108 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 9th July 2016 Oldbridge parkrun #108Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #108 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 9th July 2016 Oldbridge parkrun #108Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #108 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 9th July 2016

Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #119 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 25th September, 2016. Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #119 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 25th September, 2016. Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #119 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 25th September, 2016.

October 2016

Oldbridge parkrun #124Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #124 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 29th October, 2016. Oldbridge parkrun #124Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #124 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 29th October, 2016. Oldbridge parkrun #124Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #124 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 29th October, 2016. Oldbridge parkrun #124Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #124 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 29th October, 2016.

Oldbridge parkrun #125Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #125 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 5th November 2016. Oldbridge parkrun #125Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #125 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 5th November 2016. Oldbridge parkrun #125Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #125 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 5th November 2016.

Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #127 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 19th November 2016 Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #127 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 19th November 2016 Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #127 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 19th November 2016 Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #127 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 19th November 2016 Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #127 which took place in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Saturday 19th November 2016

Oldbridge parkrun #132Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #132 in Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th December 2016 Oldbridge parkrun #133, New Year's Eve 2016Photos from Oldbridge parkrun #133 at Oldbridge Estate, County Meath on new Year's Eve, Saturday 31st December 2016

C'mon the Town

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 09:16:03 GMT

With the Eircom League season finished, Dundalk side Woodview Celtic have the use of Oriel Park for their North East Football League games.

I took the opportunity to have a good look around the ground during their game with Square United on November 13th.

Below are a few shots from the morning:

Get Motivated

Sat, 30 Jan 2016 20:56:39 GMT

Delighted to see my Oldbridge parkrun photo used by Tribesports as their weekly motivational poster.

Winter Solstice in The Boyne Valley

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 22:21:32 GMT

A few shots from the Winter Solstice at Dowth Passage Tomb in the Boyne Valley, Ireland.

The morning was a washout for sunrise at Newgrange but we were treated to a fantastic sunset at Dowth. The chamber of the tomb was open to the public from 3-4pm. The setting sun illuminated the back wall of the chamber and we were joined by a somewhat startled bat during our short stay in there.

People gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice at Dowth Passage Grave, County Meath on Monday 21st December 2015 People gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice at Dowth Passage Grave, County Meath on Monday 21st December 2015 People gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice at Dowth Passage Grave, County Meath on Monday 21st December 2015 People gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice at Dowth Passage Grave, County Meath on Monday 21st December 2015 People gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice at Dowth Passage Grave, County Meath on Monday 21st December 2015 People gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice at Dowth Passage Grave, County Meath on Monday 21st December 2015 People gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice at Dowth Passage Grave, County Meath on Monday 21st December 2015 People gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice at Dowth Passage Grave, County Meath on Monday 21st December 2015

Boyne 10k in the rain

Sat, 09 May 2015 16:05:48 GMT

Last Sunday saw a great event in Drogheda when a huge crowd turned out for the Boyne 10k. The race has grown from a relatively small event into a showcase for the town of Drogheda.

This year's race was notable for a deluge of rain that occurred at the start of the race. Well done to all the participants for smiling through the rain.

Be There. All The Way!

Wed, 04 Feb 2015 09:43:13 GMT

The Allianz National League is back with the first round of matches taking place over the weekend. For Louth, it was a trip North to a bitterly cold Enniskillen as the players braved sub-zero temperatures and showers of snow. The night ended in disappointment with a Sean Quigley inspired Fermanagh winning comfortably by a scoreline of 0-16 to 0-7.

Next up for the Wee County is Clare at home next Sunday and with the banner having posted a 1-16 to 0-4 win over Wexford, it's not going to get any easier!

All photos can be seen at http://pauloconnorphotos.zenfolio.com/p720379037

Two stewarts await the arrival of supports ahead of the game between Fermanagh and Louth in Round 1 of the Allianz National League Division 3 in Brewster Park on Saturday 31st January 2015 Louth's Declan Byrne attempts to block a shot by Ryan Jones of Fermanagh during their game in Round 1 of the Allianz National League Division 3 in Brewster Park on Saturday 31st January 2015 Fermanagh's Sean Quigley kicks a point from a free kick as snow falls during the game against Louth in Round 1 of the Allianz National League Division 3 in Brewster Park on Saturday 31st January 2015 Fermanagh's Sean Quigley places the ball ahead of a 45 as snow falls during the game against Louth in Round 1 of the Allianz National League Division 3 in Brewster Park on Saturday 31st January 2015 Half-time during the game between Fermanagh and Louth in Round 1 of the Allianz National League Division 3 in Brewster Park on Saturday 31st January 2015 Louth's Conor Grimes gets his shot away despit the close attention of Declan McCusker of Fermanagh during the game in Round 1 of the Allianz National League Division 3 in Brewster Park on Saturday 31st January 2015 A view from the terraces of Brewster park as Fermanagh take on Louth in Round 1 of the Allianz National League Division 3 in Brewster Park on Saturday 31st January 2015

Winter Sun

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 21:42:22 GMT

Another fantastic morning for Oldbridge parkrun #32 and another chance to try out the 10-20mm lens.

We had another 134 people complete the 5k course this week with 30 first-timers and 30 recording a PB.

Volunteers gather before Oldbridge parkrun on Saturday 24th January 2015

#thetoughest

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 21:21:55 GMT

Nice to see a couple of my pictures used by AIB_GAA, the twitter account AIB use for promoting the AIB Club Championships. The pictures were used to promote the Sean O'Mahony's vs St Croans in the IFC All Ireland Semi-Final.

Going Wide....

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 22:09:19 GMT

A beautiful winter's morning for Oldbridge parkrun #31 was the perfect opportunity to try out a Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 wide-angle lens. The lens itself is great fun but I've a long way to go to master it!

Fantastic to see another great turnout for parkrun with 134 people taking advantage of the winter sun to complete the 5km course. The hard ground meant that 25 people manage to record a PB, very impressive given the time of year!

Oldbridge Estate prior to the start of Oldbridge parkrun #31 on Saturday 17th January 2015 Oldbridge Estate prior to the start of Oldbridge parkrun #31 on Saturday 17th January 2015

Dr. Cullen Park

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 22:51:06 GMT

Louth's last game in the O'Byrne Cup took them to Dr Cullen Park in Carlow. A big thanks to Bob Doheny for getting me in on the sideline for this one, a very enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, the light was quite poor and a few showers made conditions for photography far from ideal.

The game ended with Carlow winning by 2 points invoking memories of their Leinster Championship win in O'Moore Park in 2011 and leaving Colin Kelly waiting his first win as Louth Manager. Hopefully that'll come against Fermanagh when Louth's Division 3 campaign kicks off in Brewster Park on Jan 31st.

All the photos from Carlow can be seen here.

A lone turnstile is open at Dr. Cullen Park ahead of the Carlow v Louth game in the Bord na Mona O'Byrne Cup, Group B, Round 3 in Dr. Cullen Park, Carlow on Sunday January 11th 2015

Lights, Camera, Action... Louth v UCD

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 23:34:12 GMT

Wednesday night saw Colin Kelly's first competitive home fixture as Louth manager as his side took on UCD under the lights in Haggardstown.

It was my first time shooting GAA under the lights and it was quite the challenge to say the least. Plenty of lessons learned for the next effort!

To the game itself and a late late goal by Ed O'Byrne grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat for UCD by a scoreline of 2-8 to 0-12. Overall, a better performance than Sunday in Newbridge and a few new faces done their chances of inclusion in the panel for the league no harm.

Here's a selection of shots, the full set can be seen on the Game Gallery Page.

It's good to be back! Kildare v Louth

Tue, 06 Jan 2015 21:55:53 GMT

It seems an age since June 28th 2014, Louth's last game in which they were heavily defeated in the qualifiers by Tyrone in Omagh. Since then Aidan O'Rourke stepped down as manager to be replaced by Colin Kelly and stalwards Paddy Keenan and Shane Lennon called time on their inter-county career.

Sunday saw the start of a new era as Louth travelled to Newbridge to take on Kildare in the first round of the O'Byrne Cup. An experimental side lost 1-16 to 0-7 in a display that reaffirmed the job ahead of the new manager.

Very nice to meet Ciaran Byrne who made time for a quick interview with RTE legend Brian Carthy before rushing off to catch a flight back down under. Also nice to put a face to the man behind the Louth And Proud website.

Regardless of the scoreline, it's great to have the inter-county season started. Next up is UCD under lights in Haggardstown on Wednesday!

Singing and Running In The Rain

Sat, 03 Jan 2015 22:35:40 GMT

First effort at taking photos in the rain today as the heavens opened for the first Oldbridge Parkrun of 2015. Amazingly, 96 hardy souls completed the course in what can only be described as a mud-bath. Not great conditions for photography but managed to grab a few shots.

View all the images in the Oldbridge parkrun #29 gallery.

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Christmas Celebrations at Winter Solstice parkrun

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 08:26:25 GMT

Saturday 20th December marked 6 months of parkrun. With the first event taking place on the summer Solstice, the winter Solstice marked the half year anniversary. In it's first 6 months, parkrun has seen 947 different people complete the 5k course. In all, 2857 results have been recorded with a total of 14,285km covered.

With this being the last run before christmas, runners and volunteers alike donned santa hats and Christmas jumpers.

On a personal note, it's great to have been involved in parkrun and I look forward to many more events in 2015.