A wonderful book that documents life in Galway over the past 40 years in black and white through the lens of local photographer Stan Shields was launched last night.
Stan's Galway makes no pretence at artistic endeavour; it is simply an accurate representation of the Connacht Tribune photographer's work and a fantastic chronicle of Galway's history over the past four decades.
From the visit of John F Kennedy in 1963, to the much changed Galway of today, Stan has been there to capture it all with his camera.
People from the worlds of politics, sports and the media joined hundreds of local people last night for the book's launch in Day's Hotel by veteran broadcaster Seán Duignan.
"I think this book, apart from being a magnificent and magical kind of book, will make a very valuable historical contribution to understanding a long period of transitional life in Galway," said Duignan.
Stan Shields was born in Salthill and his eminent career, which began in the Connacht Tribune darkroom in 1962, has flourished to the point where he has won several national awards and contributed to publications all over the world.
"The book is the culmination of 40 years of work and of real enjoyment. I got into the job by accident and if I had to repeat my life over, I wouldn't change a thing," Stan said last night.
Stan regards himself as being lucky to have been "in the right place at the right time" on many occasions throughout his career, the highlight of which was Kennedy's visit.
"I was so lucky to be able to get into the front seat of the car and kneel beside him to take his picture. You wouldn't get near [ a US president] if it was today," he added.
