Incredible photo by Laois man wins Gold in national competition

A stunning photograph by a Laois camera club member has won a prestigious gold award.

Pat 'Gilly' Guilfoyle is a member of Portlaoise Camera Club and he took the winning shot while working for Laois County Council at the Timahoe Heritage Festival in 2025.

The Portlaoise man told the Leinster Express / Laois Live more.

"The photo is of Anna Gavin Cullen, who was part of the Viking battle reenactment at the festival," Gilly said.

The image of her piercing gaze stands out for its contrasting high focus monochrome textures of fur, hair and skin.

"It's easy take photos of Anna in fairness, I get great engagement from her," Gilly said.

"I took about 40 photos, and that one stood out. It was taken in colour but I decided to process it in black and white. 

"It went through regional awards first. It's hard to win the Gold, you are competing with people in clubs from all over Ireland.

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"I'm delighted to win, it sort of gives you the feeling you're not doing it all for nothing, you have achieved something," he said.

The winners were announced on Saturday, April 11 and Gilly will shortly be presented with the winning gold medal by his club.

"It's great for our club too to get this recognition, we have had winners in the past who are still members, Sharon O'Brien, Kerry Conroy and Emannuelle Gallison," Gilly said. 

Portlaoise Camera Club welcomes new members, regardless of photography expertise. They hold weekly meetings in Portlaoise Parish Centre at 8pm. They also hold regular training and field trips. Email them on portlaoisecameraclub@gmail.com