News

Judging of the esteemed Press Photographer’s Association of Ireland AIB Photojournalism Awards 2008 has commenced and for the first time, in digital. As the days of film move further and further away, it was felt that the AIB Photojournalism Awards should move with the industry and it’s counterparts in other countries.

This year, the entry record was broken with in excess of 1,900digital photographs from 121 photographers entered into the competition, which rewards and showcases excellence among Irish press photographers.

This year’s International panel of judges comprises Chairperson Bride Rosney, Director of Communications, RTÉ, renowned Photographer and Picture Editor, Eamonn McCabe, and Mathieu Polak, Deputy Picture Editor, Le Monde.  Commenting on the entries, the judges said they were tremendously impressed with the skill displayed in the entries, which include powerful images from a broad spectrum of press photography, including news, sports, politics and the arts.

Brenda Moriarty, Head of Brand Management, AIB, said:  “We are delighted to be sponsoring the AIB Photojournalism Awards for the seventh year running and are very proud to be associated with the competition’s move to digital entry. Each year we see incredible landmark photographs, which illustrate the ups and downs of Irish life.”

Ray Mc Manus, President, Press Photographer’s Association of Ireland, said: "We represent press photographers from all over Ireland. Each year the competition continues to grow and our overseas judges are again impressed with the high quality and calibre of Irish press photography. That talent is underlined and supported by AIB’s commitment and sponsorship of these prestigious awards and the accompanying exhibition – which captures a unique look at Irish life.”  

The winners of the AIB Photojournalism Awards 2008 will be announced at a gala banquet in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dublin, on the 20th February 2009.

THE JUDGING PANEL

Bride Rosney
Director of Communications, RTÉ
Chairperson of the judging panel, Bride Rosney, is RTÉ’s Director of Communications.  She previously worked as a communications consultant, primarily dealing with accounts in the spheres of new technologies and the arts. Bride is familiar with the AIB Photojournalism Awards, as she has chaired the judging panel for the last four years.
Eamonn McCabe,
Photographer & Picture Editor
Renowned Photographer Eamonn McCabe worked for The Observer as a Sports Photographer for over 12 years. Eamonn then moved to become the The Guardian’s Picture Editor, a post he held from 1988-2001. Eamonn’s work has been highly acclaimed, having been name Sports Photographer of the Year four times, News Photographer of The Year 1985 and Picture Editor of the Year, an incredible six times.
Eamonn McCabe is now a full-time photographer, concentrating on portraiture of people in the arts. A regular contributor to magazines and newspapers, Eamonn appears on radio and T.V. regularly talking about photography.

Mathieu Polak
Deputy Picture Editor, Le Monde

Mathieu Polak is Deputy Picture Editor of the French Daily, Le Monde, a post he has held since May 2002.

Prior to this, Mathieu held various news and picture editor posts with VSD, a weekly news magazine, the daily tabloid, France Soir and JDD, a Sunday newspaper in France.

Mathieu is also an acclaimed photographer, having been named News Photographer of the Year 1998. During his career as a photographer, Mathieu worked with Sygma Agency and Collectif Press, covering a broad spectrum of events, both in France and abroad.