I’m going on holidays in a few days so this is my last post here for a month or so. I may have some new stuff from the Lake District and Kerry when I return. I’m not going to go with the intention of shooting everything I see like I would usually do. I intend to soak up the places we visit and relax. I was too ill to enjoy last year and fortunately my recovery has reached a stage where I have enough energy to appreciate and engage in my surroundings. It’s such a gift and you have to nearly lose it to really appreciate it. I am indeed very lucky. See ye all soon and thanks for your support over the last 18 months.

P.S. The building in the foreground is The Lighthouse Cafe. Don’t go to Valentia without dropping in. The food is organic and salivating!!

The final shot in the tinsmith trilogy.

James Collins, the tinsmith part two. Third and final episode soon.

The tinsmith in action at yesterday’s Scurlogstown Olympiad in Trim. The best Olympiad ever.

By “lurking” I mean in the archives. Another find from my spring clean.

On the road from Portmagee to Ballinskelligs in County Kerry, just after the decent from Coom an Easpaig there is a right turn on a hairpin bend. Drive down that road (boreen) for about a mile and a half and this is the view that awaits you. I’m looking through stuff going back a few years and it certainly puts a new perspective on all those old shots. I’d highly recommend it if you have the time.

Taken from Coom an Easpaig, near Portmagee, County Kerry.

I’m going to clear out my puffin drawer for once and for all!!

After the parallel universe of elections and drama it’s time I got back to reality. We are heading to the Lake District for a week in early July and on to Valentia island for two weeks after that. I’m hoping that my photographic mojo will come back somewhere along that trail. If not I’ll just sit back and enjoy it anyway.

Thanks for all the comments and emails after Dónall’s victory in the election. You may be interested in this interview with him and myself at the count. Stick with it until the end, there is a bit of a surprise ending!

Dónall hugs his sister Kate after winning a seat for the Labour Party on Trim Town Council. I have held the seat for ten years but have had to retire for health reasons. Labour gained a seat with James O’Shea also getting in. We also gained a seat in the Trim County Council area at the expense of Fianna Fáil. The results should be available here eventually.

Dónall, my son, is running in the local elections on June 5th for a seat on Trim Town Council. I am retiring for health reasons, after 10 years. This is a badly photoshopped version of a photo that I took in Times Sqare a few years ago. It will remain here until after the count on June 6th. The nerves are shattered already. Anyway……fingers crossed………..

And finally…..the director….Kevin.

This is the penultimate photo from the play. Honestly.

Trim Drama Group’s production of The Plough and the Stars is moving to the Solstice in Navan for next Friday and Saturday night. It was very well received on its run in Trim. If you can get to see it I think you will enjoy it.

Between the play and the election I have no time to even think about photography at the moment. Here is an oldie to keep this place ticking over. Roll on 5th June when, hopefully, the hoors that are in will get a ferocious kick in the arse!!

It’s in situations like this that 720 pixels just doesn’t work. Sometime, when I have time and an inclination, I’ll sort this place out.

This shot has been waiting in the queue for a long time. It is one of Micheal O’Raghallaigh’s concertinas. Micheal is probably the best concertina player in the country.

The play has finished its Trim run. It was a massive success. Great houses and very well received. We move to Navan in 22nd and 23rd May. I’ll remind ye again close to the time. A few nights off are going to be nice.

If you haven’t seen the play then the title will only remind you of Johnny McEvoy…. the last one…

Well the rehearsals are over and the play starts tonight. The Plough & the Stars. On ’till Sunday if you’re around!

Taken at the Trim Vintage and Veteran Show a few years ago. I’ll get back to the play before the off on Thursday.

Uncle Peter gets his sword ready for the big celebrations during a scene fro Sean O’Casey’s Plough and the Stars. Trim Drama Group’s production starts on Thursday night next and runs for four nights.

Another rehearsal shot from Trim Drama Group’s upcoming epic, The Plough and the Stars.

Eoin passed on being hung and drawn but agreed to be quartered! Trim Drama Group’s production of The Plough and the Stars starts in Trim on 3oth April for four nights and moves to the Solstice in Navan on 22nd May for two nights. It is going really well in rehearsal and will be a powerful production. If you are in the area don’t miss it!

The sun reflects off the Atlantic.

My first chance to use the Canon 24mm tilt & shift lens. Camden St. Dublin.

Camden Street. Dublin.

A weekend in Paris would go down nicely……

With all the talk of budgets and the country’s assets I thought I’d post this in honour of the gobshites who got us into this mess. So here’s to the Government, the developers,  the auctioneers and of course the *ankers!!!

Bessie and Mrs. Gogan let fly while Fluter looks on. A moment from last night’s rehearsal for Sean O’Casey’s The Plough and the Stars. This was the firse play that I acted in with Trim Drama Group in 1987. We are reviving it this year and it’s looking good so far. It will be performed in Trim and in the Solstice in Navan. More details closer to the time.