THE YEAR IN PICTURES:IN A YEAR of crises, catastrophes and all-pervasive gloom and uncertainty, the one image of hope that stands out, surely, is that of Barack Obama appearing with his young family before the crowds in Chicago after his election to the US presidency.
His acceptance speech was intelligent and measured; mindful not only of the steep ideological, economic, environmental and political challenges he faces during his term in office, but those facing every government in the 21st century. It seemed the most appropriate and optimistic image for the cover of this special issue of The Irish Times Magazine.
Our thanks to picture editor Peter Thursfield and The Irish Timesphotographic team: Alan Betson, Cyril Byrne, Brenda Fitzsimons, Matt Kavanagh, Eric Luke, Dara MacDónaill, Frank Miller, Bryan O'Brien and David Sleator. They have selected some of their favourite images of the year and the stories to go with them.
• This special issue was co-ordinated by designer Phyl Clarke