WILDLIFE ON THE RIVER
ARKLOW Library was packed to the rafters earlier this month for the launch of a new exhibition of photos of local wildlife.
The show ‘ Tranisition’ featured photos of different animals, insects and birds who live along the Avoca River to the Irish Sea that have been taken by Arklow wildlife photographer John O’Brien. The launch night, which took place on Thursday, March 5, allowed art lovers, animal lovers and well-wishers to admire some of John’s stunning photos of local wildlife in his first major photography exhibition.
Last year, John’s beautiful photo of a kingfisher before it strikes the surface of a local river went viral, earning him international acclaim from photographers worldwide. One of his striking photos of the pier of Arklow Harbour will be part of an international tourism exhibition to showcase the beauty of the Irish coastline, organised by An Taisce. ‘Storm Bay’ took first place in the ‘Coastal Heritage’ category of the
Clean Coasts’ Love Your Coasts Photography Competition 2019. Two other photos by John were also shortlisted in the competition.
The opening night also provided a chance for those in attendance to listen to talks on aspects of biodiversity in County Wicklow. Guest speakers on the night included Faith Wilson and Luke Drea of the East Wicklow Rivers Trust, Richard Curtain of Clean Coasts, Paul Handrick of the Bee Sanctuary of Ireland and Keith Scanlon of Dodder Action, Volunteering and Rivers Trust. There was a huge response from the audience to these informative and interesting talks.
The exhibition was supported by Cllr Peir Leonard, Arklow Municipal District and Arklow Library. Organisers thanked everyone who attended the opening night for supporting this event and the exhibition.
Other events planned for later this month in the library have been suspended due to coronavirus.