The winners of the inaugural Hugh Russell Sports Photography Competition, in tribute to the life of the Olympic boxing medallist and award-winning Irish News photographer, have been revealed.
Open to both amateurs and professionals, Lady Mary and the Mary Peters Trust created the competition to honour Hugh who sadly passed away in 2023 and was a great friend and volunteer to the Trust.
The judging panel was chaired by Irish News chief photographer Mal McCann also included Northern Ireland footballer Marissa Callaghan as well as leading photographers Kelvin Boyes and Stephen Davison.
Taking the top professional prize was Pat O’Hare’s “SmASH’ing Time” which the judges said, “Captures the very essence of sporting drama and intensity of camogie.
“The timing is exceptional, freezing the split-second when the hurl snaps under pressure, a moment that speaks volumes about the physicality and commitment in the game. The composition draws the viewer’s eye directly to the point of impact creating a dynamic sense of motion and tension.
“Hugh Russell, whose legacy this competition honours, would have loved this photograph. As someone who understood the power of a single frame to tell a story, Hugh would have admired the anticipation, precision, and emotion captured here.
“This image embodies everything he valued in sports photography a truly fitting tribute to the spirit of athleticism celebrated by this competition.”
David Fitzgerald took second place for his boxing picture of “Kellie’s Crowning Moment,” while Jonathan Porter received third prize for “Men’s Football Knockout” and Highly Commended for “Women’s Football First International Goal.”
The top amateur award went to Bob Given with “Hockey One on One” who also picked up a Highly Commended for “ITF Junior Tennis”
Jennifer Willis was second for “Rugby Gently Does It” while Ross McKelvey took third for “Athletics Hurdles Male.”
Congratulating everyone who took part, Lady Mary Peters said:
“The range and quality of entries in both the professional and amateur categories was impressive. Hugh would very much have enjoyed how much thought and hard work the photographers have put into each picture to tell a sporting story. Hugh’s own sporting story was remarkable – an Olympic bronze and two professional British boxing titles. He was a dear friend to the Mary Peters Trust, and we’re thrilled to honour him in partnership with the Irish News by creating this special sports photography competition.”
The winning photographers will have a chance to celebrate their success as part of the Mary Peters Trust Sport Inspires lunch at Belfast’s Europa Hotel on Friday 21st November which marks 50 years of the Trust and will raise vital funds for sporting stars of the future.
