Capturing Moments: Tom Honan’s Stunning Year in Photography for The Irish Times

Captain David Ginnelly from Catholic University School (CUS) rejoices with his teammates after clinching the Fr Godfrey Cup Final against St Gerard’s School at Energia Park in Dublin 4.

My journey as a press photographer commenced many years ago focusing on sports photography. I covered many international and local athletic events, yet I seldom became emotionally invested in the sport I was capturing, no matter the event. The primary objective was to capture photographs of the pivotal moments during each occasion.

Fast forward to several years later, I now cover a greater proportion of current events than sports. Earlier this year, while attending my son Lachlan’s rugby game, which was the Fr Godfrey Cup Final between CUS and St Gerard’s School, I usually refrain from bringing my camera to his games. I appreciate watching the match from a fan’s perspective. As I sensed that my son’s team, CUS, was likely to triumph, I felt compelled to document this memorable moment.

The images depict the victorious captain David Ginnelly along with his teammates hoisting the Fr Godfrey Cup. I recognized the immense effort and training the boys dedicated to reaching this point and felt incredibly proud to be there to capture it for them. This particular photograph is now one of the very few framed pictures I have kept for myself.

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