THROUGH JOHN’S KEEN LENS

TOP KERRY PHOTOGRAPHER JOHN CLEARY OPENS BRIGHT WINDOW ON 1970S WITH STUNNING NEW BOOK

THE 1970s was a tumultuous decade to say the least. From The Troubles raging in the North to industrial unrest and Papal visits there was certainly a lot going on.

But it was far from all doom and gloom with everything from sports to Tops of the Towns contests and traditional events enlivening ordinary lives no end.

And there was one photographer there to capture it all as it unfurled in Kerry at least - a man who’s still photographing eye-catching scenes today: Tralee’s John Cleary.

Now, in a wonderful new publication John is bringing us all down memory lane back into that extrordinary period. Through the Lens, his first book of images selected from his expansive archives, will be launched by Tralee Toastmaster Mike O’Donnell on Tuesday night next, October 18, at 7.30pm in The Grand Hotel.

“Life can be a rollercoaster for many people, and especially so for a photographer with a unique position observing sporting and cultural life,” John told The Kerryman.

“I have been honoured and privileged to have been a part of so many happy occasions, and indeed sad ones too, making lifelong friends in the process. I simply wanted to share my love of photography and the images I snapped with the wider public.”

As a freelance press and wedding photographer – who continues to contribute to The Kerryman – John has fairly seen it all in every part of the county.

The Troubles loomed large in his press work, not least on one of his major scoops – photographing a Provisional IRA shooting group.

Other featured photos in Through the Lens include shots of Kerry from the air, Tralee Tops of the Town, Moyvane Athletic Club, Castleisland’s u18 soccer team, Lixnaw hurling club, Mid-Kerry GAA conventions, the Killorglin Biddies, the Lixnaw Wrenboys, Kerry Ladies GAA and images of the county’s political dynasties – the McEllistrims, Foleys and Springs.

“Naturally Tralee features prominently in my archives,” John continues.

“The book features photographs of the Tralee flooding in 1970, digging up on Denny Street, the erection of Ballycarthy Bridge, the changing face of Tralee town, Tidy Towns groups, youth clubs, life at Denny’s and lots of local groups. It’s a photographic journey as people can seek out family and friends.”

CLOCKWISE from above: Renowned Kerry photographer John Cleary with his first and eagerly-anticipated book of images Through the Lens; taking the reader back into the heady 1970s as they played out in the Kingdom; Provisional IRA members blast...