Holding Hands

Two hands intertwined, fingers gently clasped together as a couple watches the festivities unfold around them. The simple act of holding hands in public, something many take for granted, becomes a quiet celebration of love and belonging at Cork Pride.

While this year’s event was smaller than last year’s celebration (perhaps due to the absence of Eurovision star Bambie Thug, or simply the rising costs of travel), the energy remained undimmed. The parade began on Grand Parade before winding its way down St. Patrick Street, with dozens of people proudly carrying a massive pride flag that rippled in the hot, humid afternoon air.

After the parade, the community gathered at Kennedy Quay for the traditional after-party, where the real magic happened. Gay men danced together in the summer heat, some bare-chested, others waving colorful fans as they laughed and moved to the music. Same-sex couples like the one in this photograph stood hand in hand, watching the celebration with quiet contentment, expressing their love openly in a space where they felt safe to do so. These moments, the dancing, the hand-holding, the unguarded laughter, show exactly why Pride events are needed now more than ever.

The laughter, the energy, and the community were all so beautifully, defiantly joyful.

More photos from Cork Pride coming tomorrow.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length24mm
ISO500
Shutter speed1/500s

Wisdom Visits Cork

In 2018, a ship called WISDOM visited Cork. Which is odd because this site says the ship was renamed, “Jasmine Scan”, in 2012. Apparently, it’s now called “WARTHOG” and bears a striking orange colour that’ll be hard to miss.

If you were ever nostalgic for the old R&H Hall building, it’s here too. Must be loads of photos of that place taken by loads of people over the years. I’d love to see some from when it was actually being used.


Apertureƒ/9
CameraCanon EOS 6D
Focal length28mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/80s

Bambie Thug at Cork Pride

Bambie Thug holds up the transgender flag on stage.

At the Cork Pride party today, Bambie Thug performed for the crowd, and came on stage proudly waving the transgender flag. The party was great, and the parade was full of energy, colour, smiles and happiness. If you missed it this year, make sure to go next year. It’s a great event!


Apertureƒ/6.3
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length240mm
ISO5000
Shutter speed1/2000s

Kennedy Quay Panorama

A wide view of Kennedy Quay, going on to Albert Quay in Cork. Buildings are reflected in the River Lee and a green ship is seen docked on the quay. (1/3)
A wide view of Kennedy Quay, going on to Albert Quay in Cork. Buildings are reflected in the River Lee and a green ship is seen docked on the quay. (2/3)
A wide view of Kennedy Quay, going on to Albert Quay in Cork. Buildings are reflected in the River Lee and a green ship is seen docked on the quay. (3/3)

Kennedy Quay in Cork in February 2024 before the R&H Hall building was demolished. Look to the right, and you’ll see Albert Quay and the new buildings there. This whole area will look quite different in only a few years.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length32mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/25s

Rowing past the ships

On a quiet October morning in 2016, I travelled into town as I saw there was fog forecast, and I wasn’t disappointed. While I was photographing the boats lined up along Kennedy Quay, a single rower came up the river.

He quickly glided past my position along the river, but I grabbed a few photos, including R&H Hall, and a view of the Elysian that is somewhat blocked by further development over in that direction.

When I go back there again some morning in eight years time to photograph the fog, I’m sure the quay will be unrecognisable.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraCanon EOS 6D
Focal length17mm
ISO200
Shutter speed1/80s

The Kennedy Quay Skyline

Kennedy Quay this morning as the sun rose, with R&H Hall in the centre of the image, as this skyline will disappear in the next few months.

Note: the sky has been replaced. It was a very dull, overcast day. Hopefully, this is more pleasing to the eye. The old R&H Hall building has not been replaced, yet.


Apertureƒ/13
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/8s

R&H Hall in Cork City

The R&H Hall building looms over Kennedy Quay as seen from Michael Collins Bridge today. It’s going to be demolished this year, so if you want to record “what once was” on the site, get down there soonest!

This Irish Examiner article talks about the demolition, and includes this picture of what will replace it.

A view of the proposed development on Kennedy Quay showing the Rehabilitation Hospital at the junction with Victoria Road, the residential block, the three office buildings, including the new Silo building and the re-purposed Odlums building.
A view of the proposed development on Kennedy Quay showing the Rehabilitation Hospital at the junction with Victoria Road, the residential block, the three office buildings, including the new Silo building and the re-purposed Odlums building.

Apertureƒ/4.9
CameraGalaxy S23 Ultra
Focal length27.2mm
ISO50
Shutter speed1/160s

Ruins of the R&H Hall Office

The shell of the R&H Hall office in Cork Docklands today. It went up in flames on November 23rd, following a fire in the main R&H Hall building on November 10th.

An empty street with the burned out R&H Hall office and other buildings visible

It’s not the first time this block has been damaged by fire. In 2006, grain silos that stood next to this office were damaged by fire and subsequently demolished. Here are a few photos of this office in 2006 and the grain silos behind it.

R&H Hall office in 2006 surrounded by fire brigade staff
A cordoned off street because of a fire in a nearby building.
A sign says "GARDA ROAD CLOSED". The fire brigade are attending and smoke damage is visible in tall silos.

Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO3200
Shutter speed1/125s