Maam Cross

Oh Ireland, I have not forgotten about you.
Numberless photographs from County Clare and County Galway in the west of Ireland occupy my hard drive and my memory.  Emerging from these emotional experiences, a cohesive series of photographs and sculpture work that share consistent elements has developed.


Maam Cross is a crossroads in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland.  It is situated on a crossroads surrounded by mountains and lakes and is renowned for the big October Fair where all manner of goods are for sale from ducks, hens and rabbits to donkeys, ponies and horses. Maam Cross is one of many equestrian events that I've experienced with my mentor and friend, the late great David Lang.


Often, when traveling with my camera with intention, I prefer being invisible.  There is a beauty, elegance and imagination that can come with being unseen.


Of course there are those who obsess over their brand visibility and tend to file grievances if they don't get the interest, attention and recognition they think they deserve and that’s ok, its just not for me.


The Irish people that attended the fair were simply magic. Aideen Leonard was no exception. She appeared out of the misty rainy day, riding her coloured cob with such intention! Aideen was attending the fair with her father from the Slieve Aughty mountains, trying to sell her cob and got him sold! Cobs will, as many horse breeders claim, always be gems.