The People of Athlone Exhibition to Launch at Athlone Towncentre
A Powerful Photographic Tribute to the Spirit of the Town
Liam Gaffey - Club President , Athlone Town AFC
In April 2024, the main stand of Athlone Town Stadium was renamed to honour Liam for his many decades of dedication as a volunteer and supporter of the club. This image was taken of Liam by Athlone Photography Club member Dawn McManus.
Volunteers like Liam are the backbone of our local sports clubs, giving their time, energy, and passion to support others, making a lasting impact on our community.
Athlone Photography Club is proud to present The People of Athlone, a powerful new photography exhibition celebrating the richness, diversity, and character of the town’s people. The exhibition will run from 8th to 17th May 2025 on the ground floor of Athlone Towncentre, with the official launch taking place at 6pm on Thursday, 8th May.
Featuring 39 environmental portraits, the exhibition captures local people in their everyday surroundings—at work, at home, or in spaces that reflect who they are. From shopkeepers and musicians to tradespeople and lecturers, this project honours the individuals who are truly part of the fabric of Athlone.
The Sound Man
Benny Dermody from the Sound Factory has a well-established business dedicated to providing high-quality musical instruments and equipment. The shop is situated in the centre of Athlone and has been serving musicians in the midlands and further afield for over 30 years.
Photo by Sean Ganly
More than just an exhibition, The People of Athlone marks the beginning of a long-term project by the club to build a growing visual archive of the town and its community.
“This project is a celebration of the real Athlone,” said Liam Kidney, Chairman of Athlone Photography Club. “It highlights the everyday people who give this town its warmth, resilience, and personality. We hope it’s the start of something lasting and meaningful for the whole community.”
The exhibition is generously sponsored by West Midlands Credit Union (formerly Athlone Credit Union) and forms part of the 2025 RTÉ All Drama Festival, a major celebration of arts and culture in the Midlands.
The People of Athlone is free to attend and open to the public throughout the festival period.
Founded in 2013, Athlone Photography Club now has over 45 members and is dedicated to encouraging photographers of all levels through learning, collaboration, and public events. To learn more about the club or to get involved with it, visit https://www.athlonephotographyclub.com/ or follow @athlonephotographyclub on Instagram and Facebook.
Liam Sherringham Helmsman RNLI
Liam is closely connected to the waterways around Athlone. Working with Inland Waterways Ireland , he is a Helmsman with the RNLI station on Lough Ree located at Coosan Point. He is also the Search and Recovery Coordinator with Athlone Sub Aqua Club and is a Diving and Cox’n Instructor with the Club.
Photo By : Matt Glesson
Members of the public who would like to take part in future editions of The People of Athlone are warmly encouraged to get in touch. Whether you're a lifelong resident, new to the town, or someone whose story reflects a unique aspect of life in Athlone, we’d love to hear from you. This project is still in its infancy, and our aim is to expand it in the years ahead—building a rich and lasting archive that celebrates the real people who shape our community. Your voice matters, and we’d be delighted to include you. Please contact us at athlonephotographyclub@gmail.com.