2004

Press Photographers Association of Ireland Snaps Up AIB Awards

The prestigious AIB Press Photographers Association of Ireland Awards were announced at a banquet Feb. 18 in Jury’s Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin. The awards acknowledge the most interesting and creative Irish press photographs from the past year, rewarding quality and excellence in this dynamic field.

With the highest ever entry of almost 1,700 photos from more than 100 photographers North and South this year, selecting the winning photographs proved a demanding responsibility. The international panel of judges included chairperson Bride Rosney, RTE director of communications; Mark Bealing, picture editor, Time Magazine, London; and Rob Taggart, picture editor, Associated Press, London.

Prizes were awarded in the categories of News, Features, Sports Action, Sports Features, People, Individual Study, the Arts, Politics, Picture Story and a special award for Humor. The highest accolade of the evening was the AIB PPAI Press Photographer of the Year award, which went to Alan Betson of The Irish Times.

The strength of Betson’s portfolio was such that he showed an all-round professional ability across the spectrum of press photography. With photographs such as "The Flying Winger" and "Curtin Call," the judges concluded that his portfolio was the strongest body of work among an abundance of exceptional entries. This is the second time Betson has received the title.

The international judging panel also commented that the winning photographer’s work displayed the skill and talent to produce strong images, often from what could be considered routine situations, combined with the unique ability to capture the moment expertly.

Speaking at the banquet, Donal Forde, AIB managing director, said, "AIB is delighted to be sponsoring the awards and exhibitions for the third year running. Once again, I am in awe of the level of talent among Irish press photographers and I admire their distinctive ability to capture everyday emotions at any given moment."

Steve Humphreys, PPAI president, said, "I wish to congratulate my colleague, Alan, for his achievements and contributions to press photography in Ireland. The overall quality of Alan’s pictures is exemplary, with each topic handled with both sensitivity and creativity. Alan is a well-respected member of our profession and his dedication and commitment to his vocation has been well rewarded."

The AIB PPAI exhibition, featuring more than 110 prints, opened Feb. 22 in AIB South Mall, Cork, to coincide with the Cork 205 European Capital of Culture celebrations. The display will then tour Ireland, visiting more than 20 AIB branches nationwide and overseas venues during the remainder of the year.

Address by Donal Forde, managing director, Allied Irish Bank sponsors of the PPAI Awards

Address by Stephen Humphries
President, Press Photographers Association of Ireland

AIB Press Photographer of the year, Alan Betson, tells all.

The winning photographs in ten categories at the Irish Press Photographers Association of Ireland Awards 2004.