Offaly based photographer takes prize in national awards with portrait of beloved TV personality

AN Offaly based photographer has taken one of the top prizws in the prestigious AIB Press Photographer of the Year awards.

Rahugh native, James Crombie, who now lives with his family in nearby Ballycommon, took third place in the portrait section with his photograph of the late TV personality, author. Irish language enthusiast and environmentalist, Manchán Magan.

The judges described the photograph as a "serene portrait of the late Manchán Magan showing his affinity with nature. It has a simple composition with a delicate, harmonious colour palette, and the calmness of the setting nicely counterpoints the active connection between photographer and subject."

James, who is a brother of former Tullamore parish curate, Fr Shane Crombie, works for the Inpho agency.

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Superb skill and judgement against strong competition saw Mark Condren of Mediahuis Ireland lift the AIB Press Photographer of the Year trophy for a record seventh time.

The annual awards, now in their 48th year, include a collection of more than 100 iconic images and videos that tell the story of 2025 in pictures.

Hosted by broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan and organised by Press Photographers Ireland CLG, the gala awards ceremony was held at O'Reilly Hall, UCD, where Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers was in attendance to present the AIB Press Photographer of the Year Award 2026 to Condren.

The judging panel was chaired by former EU Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly along with Kate Horgan, photo book creator, a curator and archivist, UK-based photographer Kieran Doherty and Multimedia category judge, Philip Bromwell from RTÉ.

A native of Castletownroche, Co. Cork, Condren began his career with Cork local newspaper The Avondhu before later working with The Corkman and The Sunday Tribune. Renowned for his cutting-edge news images as well as his sensitively curated human interest photography, Condren’s portfolio was hailed for its compelling storytelling and impact across the breadth of the competition.

The judges commented: “In a very strong field, this photographer’s work nonetheless stood out. They presented an exceptional range of subject matter across multiple categories which instantly provoked interest and admiration for the superb skill and judgment on display. Iconic moments of human suffering and human joy elevate the work of this press photographer beyond the immediate and the graphic, provoking reflections on our contemporary world at a time of chaos and of great change."

"Despite the external noise of fake images and AI-generated doubt, Mark Condren's work is a reminder of the need not only for truthful images but also technical skills and creativity," commented David Branigan, President of Press Photographers Ireland CLG. "Winning this sought-after award makes him a worthy champion for all photographers."

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Colin Hunt, CEO, AIB, said: “The outstanding work of the press photographers of Ireland enriches our lives.  They hold a mirror up to our villages and townlands in which AIB is embedded throughout the country.  Community counts, and communities count on the craft of press photography.  AIB is proud to support Press Photographers Ireland and we congratulate all this year’s winners and entrants.”

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers commented: “In 2026, we live in a world of increasing disinformation and where truth is so often under attack. The photojournalism skills exhibited here have never been more important because the threat to authenticity has never been as profound. Press photography’s unparalleled skill is to astound and inspire as well as its ability to shine a light into our society and it remains a critical cornerstone of a functioning democracy. On behalf of Government, I congratulate sincerely all those honoured at this year’s awards and thank them for their contributions to Irish life and society”.

Awards were presented across 11 distinct categories – News, Daily Life & People, Sports Action, Sports Feature, Portrait, Nature & the Environment, Politics, Arts & Entertainment, Reportage, Multimedia and the newly launched Public Relations category in addition to the AIB Sustainability Award, Irish Country Life Award and Best Use of Technology Award.

The AIB Sustainability Award was presented to Kerry freelance photographer Valerie O’Sullivan for her attentively shot reportage work, entitled ‘Reviving, Restoring, Re-Thatching’ – which visually documents the re-thatching of an old family dwelling using the ancient craft of thatching. The judges cited O’Sullivan’s collection of images as being “a delightful use of colour and composition”. The striking AIB Sustainability award, “True Inspiration”, carved by the artist Éibhlin Ní Chonaile of Celtic Roots Studio, was created from ancient bogwood over 5,000 years old.

Mayo photographer Michael McLaughlin was presented with the Best Use of Technology Award and 1st prize in Multimedia for his video ‘The Ties That Bind’ a rural life portrait illustrating the story of a restored vintage grain binder and its use on the land. The Judges commented that the video “stood out thanks to the range of shots, fine drone photography, well-paced editing and good use of interview clips”.

The Irish Country Life Award was awarded to Galway-based photographer, Rynes Walker of Rynes Walker Photography, for his image ‘The One That Didn’t Get Away’ of a young boy catching an errant ewe lamb whilst herding ewes to the sale ring for the Connemara/Mayo Blackface Breeders Group Premier Breeding sale, with the Judges commenting that the image “superbly and humorously illustrates the natural ease of children with their environment and the daily work of the farm”.

All the winning and short-listed images from the ‘AIB Press Photographer of the Year 2026’ can be viewed in the touring exhibition visiting various venues across the country over the coming year. The exhibition will begin its tour of the country in dlr LexIcon on 24th February 2026.

For further details on the exhibition and to view the winning images, please visit www.pressphotographers.ie