Snapper John’s book a ‘gem of social history’
THE Mercy Centre in Mallow was the venue for the launch of John Hooton’s latest book, ‘Ireland, The Way We Were’, last Monday night.
The launch was run in conjunction with Mallow Camera Club, of which John is one of the founding members. Featuring images of old abandoned houses from mainly Cork and Kerry, the book depicts a time in Ireland long since gone.
Jim McSweeney, chairman of Mallow Camera Club, was the MC for the night, introducing Micheál de Mhórdha, who had travelled from Dunquin in Dingle for the occasion. Micheál is a long time friend of John’s and was the manager of The Blasket Centre for many years. Micheal also wrote the Foreword for the book in which he says ‘John deserves great accolades for producing such a gem of social history’.
John himself was next to speak and he thanked the members of Mallow Camera Club for their great support in organising the evenings events. He also thanked former Mallow Camera Club member Morgan O’Neill who first introduced John to the lure of taking images inside and outside these old abandoned homes.
John also paid tribute to his wife, Noreen, who has offered him the freedom to wander off for Photos: Patrick Sheahan
hours on end searching for locations and then spending many hours photographing them.
Officially launching the book, Sean Sherlock TD praised John for bringing back some wonderful memories of a time long gone.
The book is now available in Philip’s Bookshop, Mallow and also from John himself. For further information on this talented photographer log on to www.john-hooton.com.