Reeling in the Years with John Cleary

PHOTOGRAPHER John Cleary – a contributor to The Kerryman for the last 50 years – has once again reproduced more of his stunning collection of images in a fourth book entitled: ‘Tralee in the Good Old Days’.

Tralee born and bred, John’s love for Tralee shines through in this collage of photos that depict everything from daily life, sport, entertainment and politics from the 1970s to the present day. John’s books over the years have become essential collectors’ items for Tralee and Kerry people around the world and this newest collection, featuring more than 300 unique black and white images, is an invaluable social history of the period.

‘Through the Lens’ was John’s first best-selling book of photographs from his extensive archives and featured more than 300 images from the 1970s. His second book ‘T’was Only Like Yesterday’ was launched in 2017 and a year later he launched ‘As Time Goes By’.

John has been involved in press photography, providing local and national news outlets with pictures, for the last five decades. He also runs a thriving wedding and commercial photography business and down the years he was captured more than 2,150 happy couples on their special day.

“Life can be a rollercoaster for many people, however for a photographer they have a unique place in Kerry sporting and cultural folklore. I have been honoured and privileged to have been part of so many happy and indeed sad occasions,” said John.

“I have made lifelong friends in the process and I wanted to share my love of photography and the images I snapped with the wider public,” he said. ‘Tralee in the Good Old Days’ is now available in shops and from The Kerryman office in Denny Street.