Iconic images of Kilkenny hurling and camogie legends exhibition opens in Kilkenny

Yulefest Kilkenny, Kilkenny’s Christmas Festival, has launched its special sporting photographic exhibition in Statham’s Café at Pembroke Kilkenny.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Pat Fitzpatrick officially opened the exhibition of stunning photographs last night. The images that are on display until December 23 and available for sale celebrate important moments in Kilkenny sporting history and offer visitors to the exhibition the opportunity to look back at some memorable events.

Images include shots of current camogie All-Ireland Senior champions Claire Phelan and Katie Power; iconic shots of Kilkenny hurling captains lifting the Liam McCarthy Cup; past and present players; and crowd celebrations and All-Ireland homecomings. These beautifully-framed images are available to purchase with all proceeds donated to the Kilkenny Lions Club Christmas Appeal.

Kilkenny great Eddie Keher

Presented by Yulefest Kilkenny, this photographic exhibition celebrates some of Kilkenny’s most-loved sporting moments across hurling and camogie. Yulefest Kilkenny is marking Kilkenny’s achievements in the sporting world while supporting Kilkenny Lions Club Annual Christmas Hamper Appeal.

"We have a rich sporting history in Kilkenny and it feels fitting to highlight and celebrate this during Yulefest Kilkenny, a festival that shines a light on all the wonderful aspects of Kilkenny City and county. I hope that sporting fans come along to the Pembroke Hotel to view the exhibition and relive some wonderful memories of our sporting history," said Cllr Fitzpatrick.

Carmel Slater, President of Kilkenny Lions Club said the club was very happy to have the support of both Yulefest Kilkenny and Pembroke Hotel for our Annual Christmas Hamper Appeal.

"Since 2002, through the Christmas Hamper Appeal and other events, Kilkenny Lions Club have raised more than €800,000 for local organisations. We’re committed to supporting worthy local organisations such as the St Vincent de Paul Society, Kilkenny Social Services, Church of Ireland, Good Shepherd Centre, Amber Women’s Refuge Centre and many other organisations throughout Kilkenny," she said.

Guests of honour, former Kilkenny senior hurlers Eddie Keher, who played as a centre-forward at senior level for the Kilkenny County Team and received five All-Stars Awards and six All-Ireland medal; and Noel Skehan, who played as a goalkeeper at senior level for Kilkenny and won nine All-Ireland medals during his time on the team, attended the unique event alongside further celebrated former members of the Kilkenny hurling and camogie panels including Tracy Millea; winner of an All-Star award, Bridie McGarry, winner of nine All-Ireland medals; and Ann Downey and Angela Downey, twin sisters who each won 12 senior camogie All-Irelands and drove the county to unprecedented success. 

John Ryan, owner of the Pembroke Hotel said: “Pembroke Kilkenny is delighted to host this exhibition of fantastic photography of Kilkenny hurling and camogie moments, and to support the Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal. Capturing the emotions of nationally-known Kilkenny sportspeople, and memorable events in our sporting history, these images showcase such a great part of what makes Kilkenny what it is. We're proud to have these images on display in Statham's Café."

The exhibition features incredible images by top Inpho sports photographers, who captured important moments in time. Founded by Billy Stickland in 1988, Inpho Sports Photography has grown to become the largest and most successful sports photography agency in the country with numerous national and international awards.

Inpho have built a reputation for capturing the decisive moments in Irish sporting life for over 30 years. Sport is drama personified; re-live the nail-biting, exhilarating and heart-breaking moments we have shared together as a county and sporting community.

The framed photographs would make a very special gift for a sporting fan and would be a great addition to any pub or restaurant. Images are available to purchase, to secure your favourite image/s get in touch with Cathy on sponsorship@yulefestkilkenny. ie or call 087-9542336. 

Framed images cost €290 with all proceeds donated directly to Kilkenny Lions Club Christmas Appeal. Support this great cause and pick up a piece of sporting history.

The Inpho Hurling and Camogie Photographic Exhibition is part of the Yulefest Kilkenny programme of events. Yulefest ‘Christmas in Kilkenny’ brings the festive spirit to Ireland’s Marble City and County until Friday, December 23. Kilkenny’s Medieval City has transformed into a Christmas Wonderland of festive cheer for all the family. A

fter the success of last year’s festival, this year Yulefest has grown - with a larger Christmas Market on the Parade and an extended Christmas week programme. Events are on throughout the County with a variety of festive markets taking place this weekend - check out yulefestkilkenny.ie for details. 

Yulefest Kilkenny is programmed, produced and marketed by Kilkenny County Council.