Well-known photographer Valerie O’Sullivan has been recognised for her outstanding work at the AIB Press Photographer Awards, scooping two accolades in the National Awards ceremony.

She took home the Sustainability award and placed third in the Reportage category, both awards for her work, Reviving, Restoring and Re-thatching.

The photo essay piece focused on master thatcher, Richard Ó Loideoin, and his apprentice, Billy, re-thatching the O’Neill old family dwelling house, which dates back to the early 1800’s, at Tinnie’s Lower, Valentia Island, one of the only remaining rope-thatched dwelling houses in Ireland.

This rare form of thatching uses purple moor grass known locally as ‘Fadac’, which is harvested on the north side of the island.

The vernacular farmstead dates back to the early 1800’s to which the O’Neills live close by.

When Master thatcher, Richard Ó Loideoin and his apprentice Billy, pulled back the tarpin cover from the cottage, they discovered the unique structure had its original roof intact.

Together they are dedicated to the preservation and conservation of this unique form of thatching.

The judges cited a delightful use of colour and composition in this story of a re-thatching of an old family dwelling, saying: “This ancient tradition has been brought back to life by these charming and timeless photographs. A sheer joy to look at.”

The judges described the picture of the dresser in this essay as a “wonderful depiction of something old being well maintained and preserved for future generations, which is at the very heart of sustainability.”

Local schools crowned champions in CU quiz

74 primary school quiz teams took part in the annual Killarney Credit Union School Quiz last weekend at the Great Southern Hotel.

Fossa National School claimed first place in the Under-11 category, with St Oliver’s National School finishing second.

In the Under-13 category, Gaelscoil Faithleann, Killarney won, while St Oliver’s National School secured second place.

All four teams will go on to represent Killarney Credit Union in the Chapter competition on March in Ballyroe Hotel Tralee.

This year, 295 primary school pupils participated in the quiz from over 25 schools from all over South & East Kerry.

Killarney Credit Union has been hosting the school quiz for over 20 years.

In the U11 category, Fossa National School was represented by Oisín Wilson, Keelan Swarbrick, John Larkin and Cian Ó Cléirigh.

Second place went to St Olivers NS with team members Hannah McCarthy, Fionn Delaney, Beatrix Gomez Keaney & Ollie Pyne.

Third place was awarded to Lissivigeen NS and the team members were Luke Sheehan, Jimmy Morrissey, Fionn O’Sullivan & Ailbhe O’Sullivan.

Gaelscoil Faithleann, who won the U13 category, were represented by Conn Ó Súilleabháin, Joanna Ní Chróinín, Conor Ó Domhnaill & Aideen Ní Bhuachalla.

St Olivers, who claimed second place, were represented by Amelia Angland, Liam Molokomme, Phillip Dian & Arran O’Sullivan.

Third place in this competition went to St Johns NS, Kenmare represented by Monty Read, Carter O’Neill, Róise Harrington & Sabina Coyne.

Board Director & Quizmaster on the day Joy Clifford-Vaughan congratulated and thanked all schools that took part.

Each of the winners received trophies and a perpetual cup was given to the first placed winning national schools.