Limerick-based photographers shortlisted in Love Your Coast competition

Shortlisted entries, Isolation by William Murphy and Like a Tree in the Wind by Piotr Machowczyk, in the Source to Sea category.PICTURE: WILLIAM MURPHY AND PIOTR MACHOWCZYK | William Murphy and Piotr Machowczyk

placeholder image — Shortlisted entries, Isolation by William Murphy and Like a Tree in the Wind by Piotr Machowczyk, in the Source to Sea category.PICTURE: WILLIAM MURPHY AND PIOTR MACHOWCZYK | William Murphy and Piotr Machowczyk

Two Limerick-based photographers had their entries shortlisted in the Source to Sea category

THE winners of the 2026 Love Your Coast photography competition have officially been unveiled by An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Programme at Dublin’s Smock Alley Theatre.

Two Limerick-based photographers had their entries shortlisted in the Source to Sea category.

Piotr Machowczyk made the final with his image Like a Tree in the Wind - which showcased the tidal rivers in Ballylongford, Co Kerry - resembling a tree in the wind.

“Tidal rivers often reveal interesting channels at low tide, resembling trees seen from the air. With the right framing, you can create a rather interesting, almost painted image. I think this section of the estuary is a perfect example of how nature paints its best pictures,” Mr Machowczyk explained.

William Murphy was also a finalist in the Source to Sea category with his image Isolation, which captured the last of the sunlight as it fell beneath the horizon behind Beeves Rock Lighthouse on the Shannon Estuary.

“Since moving to Limerick, capturing Beeves Rock Lighthouse, located just over the border in Clare, has been on my list. Built in the 1800s, this isolated estuarine lighthouse was photographed on an evening where the weather and sunset conditions finally aligned perfectly after a number of failed attempts. Lighthouses continue to be one of my favourite subjects to photograph,” Mr Murphy shared.

Now in its 17th consecutive year, the Love Your Coast Photography Competition showcased the Irish Coast in all its brilliance at this engaging and impactful awards ceremony to honour the 2026 finalists.

This year, Cork photographer Chris Martin’s photograph, A Bit of a Pinch, took home the top prize as overall winner of the Clean Coasts 2026 Love Your Coast photography competition.

His well-timed photograph of an otter on the River Lee also placed in first in the Wildlife and the Coast category.