Exhibition of over 100 Top Press Photographs comes to

First Trust, High Street, Belfast

18^th August – 29^th August

The highly acclaimed AIB Photojournalism Exhibition officially opens in First Trust, High Street, Belfast on Tuesday the 19^th August. The exhibition showcases some striking works by Ireland’s Press Photographers. Out of over 1,600 entries, 116 were chosen to travel around 40 AIB branches located throughout Ireland.

Belfast is very well represented this year, with local photographers featuring strongly in the Exhibition:

Niall Carson, The Press Association of Ireland – AIB Photojournalist of the Year 2007

The tremendous portfolio of the ‘AIB Photojournalist of the Year’ Niall Carson, of The Press Association of Ireland, a native of Belfast, is on show in the exhibition and captures many emotions. The Judges commented that the strength of Niall’s portfolio was such that he showed an all round professional ability across the spectrum of press photography. With photographs such as ‘Lady in the Lake’ and ‘Ulster Says Yes’ the judges concluded that his portfolio was the strongest body of work amongst an abundance of exceptional entries.

Bill Smyth, Belfast Telegraph – 1^st Place, Politics category with an image called “ Your First Minister”: DUP leader Dr. Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness about to take up office as First and Deputy First Ministers at Stormont.

Peter Morrison, Association Press – Highly acclaimed, Sports Features category with an image called “Open Victory”: Ireland’s Padraig Harrington lifts the Open Trophy after victory in Carnoutie.

To celebrate the exhibition’s arrival to Belfast, Senior Branch Manager, Brian Gillan, held a reception in the branch. At the reception Brian commented, “We are delighted to host the AIB Photojournalism Exhibition which has proven to be extremely popular with customers and staff alike. The exhibition allows us to showcase the great works of the Press Photographers Association of Ireland in the local community and also provides our customers with an opportunity to view these exceptional images.”

Masterclasses in photography will be held in locations throughout the country to coincide with the exhibitions.

This is AIB’s sixth year of partnership with the Press Photographers Association of Ireland, in sponsoring their annual awards and touring exhibition.

  Photo by Bill Smyth - Your First Minister