Finally a new computer!

Upon trapsing through some recent images I stumbled upon the Lurgan United v Goodyear game from the 29th November. Just the excuse to try out my new computer's capabilities.

Much to my delight I was able to process the RAW images with ease (something I haven't been able to do for a very long time).



I remember the match in question plagued with terrible conditions and I had to use high ISOs resulting in noisy shots. I did however manage to get a couple of decent efforts.



Click a thumbnail to view the set.



Have a happy new year to all.

Peter Pan - all images now available!

Click a thumbnail below to view the entire set of 71 images from the excellent 'MADS' production.

If anyone wishes to enquire about prints please email me at greenaway39@btinternet.com

Moyraverty Arts and Drama Society - Peter Pan

It was a joy to cover the 'MADS' production of J.M.Barrie's timeless classic 'Peter Pan' for the Lurgan Mail. The hard work put in was evident. Well done to all concerned!

All 71 images will be available to view here on Tuesday once the 'Mail' has been published.

The cursed computer strikes again

Not only am I trying to process my weekend's images under the same continuing restrictions (see 15th November rant), I have now managed to get bogged down by the worst virus i've encountered since buying this PC 4 years ago.

(note for one's self - Christmas and the sales are only round the corner. Relax and count to ten.)

If you're on looking to see today's Peter Pan images then they should available to view on Thursday :)

Colin, I am putting the finishing touches to your images and will email the proofs through tomorrow.


Have an enjoyable Saturday evening folks.

Yours doing my best to escape X-Factor / Strictly
Stephen.

The Shutting of the Gates Celebrations......

.......or commonly known as 'Lundy' day.

For those who are not familiar with this chapter in Irish history, here's a quick run down.

Each year the Apprentice Boys of Derry celebrate the stand taken by the thirteen apprentices who shut the gates: the "Brave Thirteen".

Following the arrival of King William III in England, there had been widespread panic among Protestants in Ireland that there would be a massacre of Protestants. While the citizens of Londonderry were agitated by these reports, news came that a regiment of Roman Catholics were on their way to Londonderry.



When the army arrived on the 7th December (old calendar), the leaders of the city were still debating what to do. Thirteen young apprentices took the initiative and shut the gates in the faces of the army. Their actions were the spark which led to the Siege of Derry, the longest siege in British military history.



Today we commemorate their actions in our annual Shutting of the Gates Celebrations on the first Saturday in December.



The Celebrations start with the symbolic firing of a cannon on the city's historic walls at midnight. 13 members of a Parent Club will then make their way to each of the four original City gates, as the 13 apprentices did in 1688.



The main celebrations begin later on Saturday with the visiting Branch Clubs and bands parading from the Waterside to the Memorial Hall. The main parade then makes its way from Society Street around the City Centre to a service of thanksgiving in St Columb's Cathedral. Following the service, the parade makes its way back to Bishop Street for the traditional burning of Lundy the Traitor.



source:apprenticeboys.co.uk

As usual, click a thumbnail to view the entire set (43 images). I hope you enjoy and possibly learn a little history from this country.

On Assignment: Various

Saturday morning (and the afternoon for that fact) was wretched for outdoor photographers. Stayed at the Lurgan Town under 15's game for the first half before heading off to another job. Managed to get a couple of images but shooting through some of the thickest fog i've seen for a long while was hard - stop moaning Steve and get on with it :)

I captured a good cause on Saturday evening at Brownlow House with the Banbridge High Romania Society and Adam Peden's leg wax.

Also included are the recent Bulldogs Boxing & Kickboxing Club and UUP dinner images.

As usual click a thumbnail to view the sets.

Lurgan Town v Armagh



Adam Peden - Romania Society Leg Wax





Bulldogs Boxing & Kickboxing Club



Ulster Unionist Party Dinner - Edenmore

1st of December

Even though some people have had their Christmas decorations up for weeks now, i'm sure most will be putting up their's this week some time.

We put our tree up yesterday.

On Assignment: Various

Ok here we go........

So many images and sets to get through thanks to my PC/internet provider, but it seems i'm fully operational again. Click the thumbnail to open the galleries & enjoy!

Floodlit Rugby
Pollock Park



Sportsmans Dinner
Pollock Park



Boys' Brigade 125th Anniversary Celebrations
Tattoo - Jethro Centre





Dinner - Donacloney Presbyterian Church Hall



Hill Street v Lurgan Celtic
Mid-Ulster Shield

So Frustrating!

I don't usually just 'post' but I feel this warrants it.

I don't know which is worse - my internet not functioning properly and thus stopping me from updating my blog, be it a BT problem or not, or my computer continually dying when i'm trying to process images. Latest example - i've been sitting here for an hour and a half trying to sort today's football images and the computer has packed in 4 times, each time requiring a 10 minute restart!

Anyway, roll on the sales. New PC being purchased.

P.S. all images from the last few weeks will be online next week.

A very vexed
Stephen.

On Assignment: Various

A great performance from Lurgan Town, where they ran IFA Championship side Limavady to the wire, a late winner from Lurgan Celtic, official opening of Avril Mawhinney's new look studio and Nichola Nolan's 21st birthday party. All part of a productive saturday.

As per usual, click a thumbnail to view the set.

Lurgan Town 3-4 Limavady United



Lurgan Celtic 2-1 Armagh Celtic



Finesse Photography - Avril Mawhinney



Nichola Nolan's 21st Birthday Party

On Assignment: Various

All of last week's images are finally ready for online viewing!
As usual click a thumbnail to view the sets.

Hill Street FC
Civic Reception



Young Carers Project
Jethro Centre



Portadown to Lurgan Lorry Pull
Cancer Research NI (Craigavon Branch)



Halloween Workshop
Ardowen Community Centre



Goodyear FC
Kit Sponsors



Lurgan Town Reserves 2-6 Hill Street Reserves

On Assignment: IFA / McDonalds Football Festival

I was engaged today to cover the festival which was taking part at Craigavon Leisure Centre. Northern Ireland legend Pat Jennings was the special guest, where he took time out to talk to the kids, sign many autographs and 'hone' their footballing skills.

I had the pleasure of grabbing a few words with the great man myself and all I can say is "a complete gentleman".

Anyway onto the images.....
Click a thumbnail to view the set.

On Assignment: Various

I'm finally getting round to uploading the last week's images from a number of assignments.

Click a thumbnail to view.

Portadown M.E. Support Group
Visit the Mayor's Parlour



UK Skills in Floristry
Bronze Medal



DUP Dinner
Brownlow House



Oxford Island Art Space & Sarsfields
Halloween Workshops



AFC Craigavon 1-1 Oxford United



Donacloney Royal British Legion
Poppy Appeal Launch



Lurgan Golf Club
Awards Night

On Assignment: Various

A couple of galleries available from Saturday's jobs. I think its best that I don't mention the Lurgan Town score.......

Ulster Unionist Party dinner
Edenmore Golf Club



Lurgan Town v Ballymacash Rangers