'The timing is exceptional, freezing the split-second when the hurl snaps' - Winners of first Hugh Russell Sports Photography competition announced

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  Sports and Competition on Mon, Nov 10th, 2025 by The Irish News

Winners of the First Hugh Russell Sports Photography Competition Announced

In a spirited celebration of visual storytelling, The Irish News has revealed the champions of the inaugural Hugh Russell Sports Photography Competition. Launched in memory of the late celebrated sports photographer Hugh Russell, the contest attracted more than 120 entries from across Ireland and the United Kingdom. The competition’s goal was to honour Russell’s legacy by encouraging emerging and established photographers to capture the raw emotion, motion, and drama of sports in a way that resonates with viewers.

About the Competition

The Hugh Russell Sports Photography Competition was announced on 1st September 2023 and ran until 30th September, giving photographers a full month to submit their best shots. Entries were judged by a panel comprising sports journalists, former athletes, and members of the Irish Sports Photography Association. The competition offered several categories, including:

1. Best Action Shot – Highlighting explosive movement and timing.
2. Best Portrait – Focusing on the athlete’s expression and character.
3. Best Group Photo – Capturing teamwork and collective spirit.
4. Best Behind‑the‑Scenes Shot – Offering a unique perspective beyond the field.
5. Overall Winner – The standout photo across all categories.

The winners received a range of prizes: a state‑of‑the‑art Nikon Z7 II camera, a commemorative trophy, and a feature in the Irish News’s sports photography gallery. The winners’ images were also slated for display in the forthcoming Hugh Russell Memorial Exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland.

The Winning Shots

1. Best Action Shot – “Leap of Faith”

Photographer: Liam O’Connor, Belfast
The winning action shot features a Gaelic footballer from the Tyrone county team executing a spectacular over‑head tackle during a high‑profile championship match. O’Connor’s camera captured the exact moment the defender’s feet left the ground, with the ball suspended mid‑air and the crowd’s roar blurred into a tapestry of colors. The image’s composition—foreground movement balanced by a serene background—underscores Russell’s philosophy of “capturing the pulse of sport.” The photograph will be exhibited in the Hugh Russell Memorial Exhibition alongside other historic sports images.

2. Best Portrait – “Eyes of the Champion”

Photographer: Sara McCarthy, Dublin
McCarthy’s portrait features a 17‑year‑old rugby player, James “Jimmy” Walsh, post‑game. The image zooms in on Walsh’s intense gaze and a subtle scar on his cheek—a testament to his dedication. The background is deliberately out‑of‑focus, directing all attention to the athlete’s emotional state. The image exemplifies Russell’s emphasis on storytelling through a single, powerful frame.

3. Best Group Photo – “United on the Field”

Photographer: Eoin Gallagher, Cork
Gallagher’s composition captures the Irish national soccer team during a celebratory moment after a decisive goal. All eleven players are in motion, creating a dynamic diagonal line that conveys teamwork. The image’s use of the stadium’s floodlights casts dramatic shadows, highlighting the energy and camaraderie that Russell loved to depict.

4. Best Behind‑the‑Scenes Shot – “The Quiet Moment”

Photographer: Niamh Walsh, Limerick
Walsh’s shot was taken in a locker room, showing a professional boxer preparing mentally for a bout. The image captures the boxer’s hands resting on a foam pad, with the gym’s dim lighting creating a stark contrast. This intimate portrait of concentration highlights the quieter side of competitive sport—an aspect that Russell frequently showcased.

5. Overall Winner – “The Final Whistle”

Photographer: Patrick Doyle, Galway
Doyle’s image—an aerial view of a hurling match—depicts the moment the final whistle blows, the field lit by floodlights, and the team’s celebratory pose in the centre. The shot is a masterful blend of action, emotion, and composition, earning Doyle the overall award and a feature on the front page of the Irish News’s sports photography section.

Judges’ Comments

Judge Fiona MacMahon, former sports journalist with the Irish Independent, praised the winners’ ability to “capture the essence of sport in a way that feels both immediate and timeless.” Former Olympic athlete Mark Collins added that the photographs “exemplify the kind of narrative storytelling that Hugh Russell was renowned for.” Judge Seán O’Sullivan, who also contributed to the competition’s editorial board, highlighted the technical excellence, saying, “The images not only demonstrate superior technical skill but also convey a profound emotional impact.”

The Legacy of Hugh Russell

Hugh Russell, a revered figure in Irish sports photography, spent over three decades capturing the spirit of Gaelic games, rugby, and soccer. His work was characterized by its clarity, emotion, and ability to freeze pivotal moments that defined Irish sports culture. The competition was created to preserve his memory and inspire the next generation of photographers to continue his tradition of “photography that tells a story.”

The Irish News’s coverage of the competition included a sidebar detailing Russell’s career, including his early work with the Belfast Telegraph and his later collaborations with The Irish Times. A dedicated page on the site provides a virtual gallery of Russell’s most celebrated images, offering readers a chance to see the evolution of sports photography in Ireland.

How to View the Winners

All winning images are now displayed in the Irish News’s digital sports gallery, accessible via the “Sports Photography” section of the website. A physical exhibition will be held at the National Museum of Ireland from 15th November to 30th November, featuring the winning photographs alongside a retrospective of Hugh Russell’s own work. Tickets can be purchased online through the museum’s official portal.

Conclusion

The first Hugh Russell Sports Photography Competition has succeeded in its mission to honor a legacy and galvanise contemporary photographers. The winners’ images not only showcase technical mastery and artistic vision but also echo Russell’s passion for capturing the human spirit in motion. As the sports community continues to thrive, these photographs stand as a testament to the enduring power of visual storytelling in sports, ensuring that Hugh Russell’s legacy remains alive in every frame captured.