Photography

From CMAT to school rugby celebrations: Tom Honan’s Photographs of the Year

A selection of regular Irish Times contributor Tom Honan’s photographs throughout the year and his story behind one of them

Captain David Ginnelly of CUS (Catholic University School) celebrates with teammates after winning the Fr. Godfrey Cup Final between CUS and St Gerard's School at Energia Park, Donnybrook, Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan
Captain David Ginnelly of CUS (Catholic University School) celebrates with teammates after winning the Fr. Godfrey Cup Final between CUS and St Gerard's School at Energia Park, Donnybrook, Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan
Tom Honan
Tue Dec 31 2024 - 06:00

Captain David Ginnelly of Catholic University School (CUS) celebrates with team-mates after winning the Fr Godfrey Cup Final between CUS and St Gerard’s School at Energia Park in Dublin 4.

My career as a press photographer began as a sports photographer many years ago. I attended many global and local sporting events and I would never really get emotionally involved in the sport I was shooting, regardless of the occasion. The job was to get photos of the key moments of each event.

So, many years later, I am now covering more news than sport. Earlier this year, I was attending my son Lachlan’s rugby match, the Fr Godfrey Cup Final between CUS and St Gerard’s School. I normally don’t bring my camera to his matches. It is nice to just see that match from a supporter point of view. When I got a sense that my son’s team, CUS, were going to win, I had to document this special occasion.

The photos shows the winning captain David Ginnelly and his team-mates lifting the Fr Godfrey Cup. I knew how much work and training the boys put into this moment and I was so proud to be there to document it for them and it is now probably one of the only photos that I have got framed for myself to have.

CMAT performs on stage at Fairview Park, Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
CMAT performs on stage at Fairview Park, Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
People enjoying Portmarnock Beach, Co Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
People enjoying Portmarnock Beach, Co Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
Taking it all in at St Mary's Boxing Club, Tallaght, Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
Taking it all in at St Mary's Boxing Club, Tallaght, Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
A view of flowers left at the Dublin/New York Portal on North Earl Street after is was shut down. Photograph: Tom Honan
A view of flowers left at the Dublin/New York Portal on North Earl Street after is was shut down. Photograph: Tom Honan
Donal O’Dea and his dog “Reily“ in Fairview Park, Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan
Donal O’Dea and his dog “Reily“ in Fairview Park, Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan
Chris Martin of Coldplay performs on stage at Croke Park, Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
Chris Martin of Coldplay performs on stage at Croke Park, Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
Royal Jordanian Falcons pictured at the The Bray Air Display, in Co Wicklow. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
Royal Jordanian Falcons pictured at the The Bray Air Display, in Co Wicklow. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
Leilia Doolan and Tandem Master Lukasz Kucharski, do a parachute jump at Irish Parachute Club, Clonbullogue, Co Offaly. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
Leilia Doolan and Tandem Master Lukasz Kucharski, do a parachute jump at Irish Parachute Club, Clonbullogue, Co Offaly. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
People cross the road at Marlborough Street and Eden Quay after a heavy rain shower. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
People cross the road at Marlborough Street and Eden Quay after a heavy rain shower. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times.
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