Lough Caum photo scoops top prize in National Photography Competition
Nearly 400 entries in the Local Authority Waters Programme ‘My Favourite Waterbody’ photo competition
Thursday, 7th August 2025: One overall winner and three runners-up have been selected in the ‘My Favourite Waterbody’ national photography competition that was run as part of the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) World Water Day celebrations. LAWPRO is a national shared service working on behalf of the 31 local authorities in Ireland coordinating efforts to achieve good water quality across the country in our rivers, lakes, estuaries, ground and coastal waters.
The overall competition winner is Raivis Rodenbikers, from Tralee in Co. Kerry for his photo of Lough Caum, Co. Kerry. Raivis won the top prize of a €500 voucher for Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa in Co. Wicklow along with a framed print of his winning photo.
The runners-up awards are as follows; Sean Nikken, with his photo of the River Nore at Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny, Brigid Mullooly, with her photo of the River Shannon, in Co. Longford, and Cheryl Poole, with her photo of the River Bann in Co. Wexford.
Speaking about the photo competition Éanna said: “This year’s photo competition was a celebration of the personal connections people have with their favourite waterbodies. People were asked to share photos of the places they love; the rivers, lakes, and wetlands that speak to their hearts and they responded with images full of beauty, atmosphere, and emotion. The best entries didn’t just show a scenic view, they invited us in to imagine ourselves there too.
Whether it was a tranquil boardwalk scene at sunset or a frosty Winter morning on a riverbank, each photograph told a story of appreciation and belonging. The winning images capture not only technical excellence but also a real sense of place, you can feel the love and familiarity behind the lens.”
Anthony Coleman, Director of Services at LAWPRO said: “We are delighted to announce the winners of the ‘My Favourite Waterbody’ photo competition as part of LAWPRO’s World Water Day celebrations. We would like to thank all of the participants in the competition and in particular congratulate our overall winner and three runners-up. The photos showcased Ireland’s inland waterways, lakes and coastal waters and communicated a sense of beauty, tranquillity and wellbeing in people’s favourite waterside places.”
Winning and shortlisted photos will be featured in LAWPRO’s 2026 calendar and winners will receive a calendar later in the year in addition to their prize.
For more information on the work of Local Authority Waters Programme please visit: https://lawaters.ie/.
ENDS
Photo captions:
Winning photo Lough Caum Kerry: Overall winner of the ‘My Favourite Waterbody’ national photography competition, Raivis Rodenbikers, from Tralee in Co. Kerry with his photo of Lough Caum.
Runners-up River Shannon Longford: Runners-up of the ‘My Favourite Waterbody’ national photography competition, Brigid Mullooly’s photo of the River Shannon, in Co. Longford.
Runners-up River Nore Kilkenny: Runners-up of the ‘My Favourite Waterbody’ national photography competition, Sean Nikken’s photo of the River Nore at Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny.
Runners-up River Bann Wexford: Runners-up of the ‘My Favourite Waterbody’ national photography competition, Cheryl Poole’s photo of the River Bann in Co. Wexford.
For media information:
Sadhbh O’Neill
Communications & Engagement Lead
Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO)
T: 085 850 0409
About Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) https://lawaters.ie/
Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) works on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities to protect and restore good water quality in our rivers, lakes, estuaries, ground and coastal water through catchment science and local community engagement. LAWPRO was established to fulfil requirements under the European Union Water Framework Directive and is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. LAWPRO coordinates the efforts of local authorities and other public bodies in the implementation of the River Basin Management Plan.