A west Cork-based photographer has achieved his ambition of capturing all Ireland's lighthouses on film.
Aerial shots taken by John Eagle of the Maidens lighthouse off the Co Antrim coast last week marked the conclusion of a project lasting over a decade. Weather and budgetary factors determined the length of time it took him to capture all 94 lights and beacons around the 2,700-mile coastline, mostly from the air.
Mr Eagle had completed most of his project early this year, but Rathlin Island's three lighthouses off the north-east coast, Inishtrahull off Donegal, the Mew and the Maidens off Black Head, north Antrim, and Haulbowline, on Carlingford Lough, Co Louth, had eluded him. He relied for his transport on Irish Helicopters, the company which holds the service contract with the Commissioners of Irish Lights.
Last week, weather conditions and helicopter delivery schedules synchronised and Mr Eagle was able to shoot Haulbowline, Mew Island and two lights at the Maidens. All 94 lights have now been reproduced on postcard, which he sells to international enthusiasts all over the world.
Mr Eagle is author of one book on Irish lighthouses and his work has appeared in international publications. His role models are French marine photographersPhilip Plisson and Jean Guichard. Operating on a minimal budget, he has paid credit to the Commissioners of Irish Lights and to two Irish Helicopters pilots, Capt Mick Conneely and Capt Mick Hennessy.
Local boat-owners have also helped out where shots were best taken at sea level, such as Mr Gerry Donnelly of Shannon Estuary Ports who helped him take the Beeves Rock, the late Dr Tom McCarrick, owner of a catamaran, Image, in Sligo who transported him to Blackrock lighthouse and John Johnston, a sea-angling charter skipper on Achill, Co Mayo.
A commission by the former ESB fish farming subsidiary, Salmara, paid for Mr Eagle's first work in the series.
Meanwhile, a series of events marking the 25th anniversary of the Fastnet yacht race in which 15 people lost their lives is due to be held on Cape Clear island and at sea on August 15th. The events will include a remembrance at sea, led by the Naval Service patrol ship, LE Emer, and involving the RNLI Baltimore lifeboat. The Baltimore lifeboat and the former Naval Service patrol ship, LE Deirdre, played a significant role in the rescue operation during the storm which hit the biennial yacht race and sank five vessels.
Some 40 sailors who participated in the 1979 race will travel to Cape Clear for a memorial unveiling on August 15th and launch of a history of the event by Dr Eamon Lankford. This will be preceded by a lecture on August 14th by Commodore John Kavanagh, who was in command of the LE Deirdre during the emergency.
