The miracles are all around us

In the midst of our daily troubles, it is far too easy to forget that we live in country that could well be described as a portion of Eden. Ireland’s natural beauty, our astonishing heritage and history, are celebrated the world over and give delight to everyone who visits these shores.

The photographs assembled here are a vivid testament to the wonder of our countryside, our spectacular landscape and our ability to capture it all in word and image. They are, as one caption writer put it, a ‘silent reminder of how I’m a small part of something much bigger’.

The photos were taken all across Ireland and give rich expression to the heartbeat of those natural elements which, when captured by the human eye, become works of art. It is such great credit to all who took part in this competition that they did so much artistic justice to the land they love. With a simple camera or phone, they caught the magic of the hills and valleys, the bays and the blooms, that give this island such a unique natural texture.

Our winner, John O’Neill, sought to recreate the memories of his own childhood on Tramore beach in Wexford, with the help of his son Ben and Hector the cocker spaniel. ‘Best Friends’ is one of those rare images in which the surrounding world acts as a beautiful backdrop to a scene of brotherly bonding. It is a glorious moment when all creation seems to sing in harmony.

Congratulations to John, the other winners, and indeed everyone who contributed, for showing us the splendour of a country we too often take for granted. In revealing what one contestant described as ‘the magic on my doorstep’, you have reminded us that seeing miracles is simply a matter of opening our eyes.