Cork photo exhibition captures a fascinating glimpse of life on Cobh

Tue, 28 May, 2024 - 13:23

Amy Power

Photography enthusiasts have just days left to visit an exhibition in Cobh Library which features a host of local faces past and present from the town.

The exhibition, entitled ‘The Great Islanders’, is the work of Cobh-based photographer, Kieran Mackessy.

This photograph shows Tommy Cragoe."In 1959, at 18 years of age, he opened his barber shop on Harbour Row. It became the longest running business in the hands of one person, until it closed in 2022," Mr Mackessy said.

“For many years now I have been capturing images of Cobh, focusing on the town’s history, architectural heritage and its association with events of worldwide significance.

“This granted me the privilege to encounter many of the town’s inspiring and colourful personalities, each with their own unique stories and memories of what it was like growing up in such a special and historical place,” Mr Mackessy said.

This photograph showsSammy Cronin. "Seasoned fisherman and captivating storyteller. A mine of information about the town, it's characters and it's past. His shed at the East Camber was once a morgue for those who perished at sea," Mr Mackessy said.

“‘The Great Islanders’ collection is part of my overall work — ‘The Character of Cobh’, which I based three previous exhibitions on — and is dedicated to all those who were, and are, a part of the rapidly changing landscape of the town.”

The exhibition is open until Friday.

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