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Sports photo competition in honour of boxing icon and award-winning photographer Hugh Russell

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. and-award-winning-photographer-hugh-russell.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 2:10 GMT by The Irish News
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The Irish News Launches a Sports Photo Competition to Celebrate the Legacy of Boxing Legend and Iconic Photographer Hugh Russell

The Irish News has announced a new sports photography contest that pays tribute to one of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated photographers and former boxing champion, Hugh Russell. The competition, which will run over the coming months, invites amateur and professional photographers from across the region to capture the spirit of sport in a way that echoes the powerful images Russell produced during his illustrious career.

Hugh Russell: A Life in Motion

Russell’s name is synonymous with some of the most iconic moments in Irish sport. Born in Belfast in 1942, he first made his mark as a boxer, fighting for the Irish light‑heavyweight title in the early 1960s. After retiring from the ring, he turned his camera on the sport that had defined his life, becoming a prolific sports photographer whose work graced the pages of The Irish Times, The Sunday Times, and the BBC.

Over three decades Russell’s lens captured the drama of boxing, but his portfolio stretched far beyond the squared circle. He chronicled football, rugby, athletics, and even the Irish horse racing scene, bringing the visceral energy of the sporting arena to the printed word and television screens. His photographs earned him multiple British Sports Photographer of the Year awards, and he was a finalist for the prestigious World Press Photo competition in 1989. Russell’s style—characterised by a keen eye for decisive moments and an intimate portrayal of athletes—helped to bring Irish sports into the mainstream consciousness.

In 2022, Russell celebrated his 80th birthday, an event that prompted the Irish News to reflect on his impact and to launch a competition that would encourage the next generation of sports photographers to follow in his footsteps.

Competition Overview

The competition, titled “The Hugh Russell Sports Photo Contest,” is open to all photography enthusiasts aged 18 and older who have a genuine interest in sports. There is no entry fee, making it an accessible platform for emerging talent and seasoned professionals alike.

Categories

1. Best Action Shot – Capturing a pivotal moment in any sport.
2. Best Portrait – A candid or posed image that conveys the personality of the athlete.
3. Best Moment of the Day – An image that encapsulates the essence of the sporting event.
4. Best Post‑Event Shot – A photograph taken after the event that conveys the aftermath or reaction.

Each category encourages submissions that reflect Russell’s penchant for dynamic storytelling and emotional resonance.

Entry Requirements

• Images must be original and taken within the last 12 months.
• Photographs must be in color, high resolution (minimum 300 dpi), and in JPEG or RAW format.
• Each entry should include a brief caption (max 150 words) describing the context and the story behind the image.
• Photographers must provide their full name, contact details, and a short bio (max 50 words).

All submissions are due by 30 June 2025. Entries are accepted via the Irish News online portal, with a simple upload process and a confirmation email upon receipt.

Judging Panel

A distinguished panel of judges will review the entries. The panel will include:

• Patrick McCormack, sports photographer and former Irish News contributor.
• Sarah O’Neill, director of the Irish Sports Hall of Fame.
• Dr. Alan Macdonald, Professor of Sports Media at Queen’s University Belfast.
• Hugh Russell’s longtime friend and collaborator, Mary Quinn, who will provide a personal touch to the judging.

Judges will evaluate each photograph based on composition, technical quality, emotional impact, and adherence to the spirit of Russell’s work.

Prizes and Recognition

The winners will receive a range of rewards that celebrate both the art and craft of sports photography:

• Grand Prize – €5,000, a state‑of‑the‑art DSLR camera, and a feature article in the Irish News.
• Runner‑Up – €2,000 and a commemorative trophy.
• Category Winners – €1,000 each and a professional development workshop led by Patrick McCormack.
• All Finalists – Receive a certificate of achievement and the opportunity to showcase their work in a public exhibition in Belfast’s Ormeau Park.

The competition will also culminate in a public gallery display and a digital showcase on the Irish News website, giving participants nationwide exposure.

A Tribute to a Legend

In an opening statement, Irish News editor Tomás O’Connor said: “Hugh Russell didn’t just capture the action on the field; he captured the soul of sport. By launching this competition, we hope to inspire young photographers to pursue that same passion and to honour his legacy in a living, breathing way.”

The competition has already attracted interest from local clubs, amateur photo groups, and universities. “The fact that we’re providing a platform for fresh talent, while celebrating a local icon, is a win for the community,” noted Mary Quinn. “Russell’s legacy is about storytelling, and this contest gives people the chance to tell their stories through the camera.”

Community Impact and Future Outlook

Beyond celebrating Hugh Russell, the contest seeks to bolster the Northern Irish sports community by providing an avenue for athletes and photographers to connect. Many local teams have expressed enthusiasm, seeing the contest as a way to bring attention to their sports and to support the next generation of journalists and visual storytellers.

The Irish News has indicated that the competition may become an annual event, with future editions expanding to include other sports categories such as “Best Under‑5 Minutes” or “Best Long‑Shot” and potentially collaborating with local universities’ media departments for workshops and mentorship programmes.

How to Get Involved

• Enter: Visit the Irish News contest page, fill out the online form, and upload your best sports images by 30 June 2025.
• Share: Encourage friends, family, and local clubs to submit their own work.
• Follow: Stay tuned for updates on the judging process and the final exhibition dates.

By embracing Hugh Russell’s vision and passion, the competition invites participants to become part of a living tradition that honours a man whose photographs still echo across the stadiums and rings of Northern Ireland.