Central Communications Board22 Dec 20

Central Communications Board photography competition: prizes announced

The prize–winners in the Central Communications Board’s photography competition – on the theme of ‘Anything but Covid’ – have been announced, as follows:

1st – Mr Harry Teggarty, Kilhorne Parish (Down and Dromore);

2nd – Mr Norman Storey, Tramore Parish (Cashel, Ferns and Ossory); and

3rd – The Revd Chris Pollock, Saintfield Parish (Down and Dromore).

Mr Teggarty’s photograph pictures the Silent Valley Reservoir, in the Mourne Mountains.  The competition judge remarked: “This is a place of peaceful retreat for many and it’s not hard to see why. In a year marked by turmoil and uncertainty, isn’t it great to know that God remains steadfast and unchanging? This photograph for me is a timely reminder of the things we can still enjoy yesterday, today and that will still be the same tomorrow. Important too is the opportunity to reflect amid the busyness of life and maybe that’s something the last number of months has afforded us.”

Mr Storey’s photograph, captioned ‘Fun in the Garden’, was taken during the summer months.  The judge noted: “I like the innocence of this photograph and it reminds us of the things that mean the most and can bring the most joy to us during these times.”

Mr Pollock titled his photograph, ‘Single star on the tower; single star in sky.’  The judge remarked: “I enjoy the obvious message that this photograph conveys and that is God’s light is continually shining through the darkness.”

Three entrants to the competition, which was kindly sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance, were also highly commended for the quality of their entries: Mr Brian Robinson, Tamlaghtard Parish (Derry and Raphoe), with the caption, ‘When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it,’ from Exodus 24.15; Ms Jennifer Siggins, Lissadell parish (Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh), for ‘Light in the Darkness’; and Ms Sandra Whelan, Shillelagh parish (Cashel, Ferns and Ossory), for ‘Little Boy Blue’.

Bishop Pat Storey, Chair of the Central Communications Board, said: “Thank you to everyone who participated in our photo competition by bringing a little light and joy into a fairly dark year. The theme was ‘Anything but Covid’ and the winning photographs demonstrate that it is possible to think about, and enjoy, something other than the depressing daily figures on our television screens. We take a moment to revel in the beauty of these photographs and I congratulate all the winners, and indeed, the highly commended participants. We do not forget, in these times, that we still believe in Emmanuel, God with us. Have a very safe and happy Christmas!”