Club History

Drogheda Photographic Club has come a long way in its 50+ years.

Drogheda Photographic Club was established in 1971 at a meeting held in Scholes Lane. The club originally catered for both cine and still photography. In 1972 the club split into two, one pursuing cine photography and the other still photography. The latter was initially called the Drogheda Camera Club,

later changing its name to Drogheda Photographic Club. Founding members of Drogheda Photographic Club were Paul Maher, Patsy Reilly, John Butler, Joe Dowdall, Joe Sarsfield and Pat Clarke. The Club held its first exhibition in 1973. This has since become an annual feature interrupted only by the Covid 19 pandemic.

The Club was one of the founder members of the Irish Photographic Federation (IPF). Drogheda Photographic Club won the title of Best Club in Ireland on at least fifteen occasions at the National Club Championships organised by the IPF. The Club won the Bronze Medal in the Photography Clubs’ World Cup organised by Federation Internationale de L’Art Photographique (FIAP) in 2013 and came fifth in the same competition in 2020.

Members of the Club have received awards in many national and international competitions over the years. Des Clinton, Judy Boyle, Gabriel O’Shaughnessy, Gerry Fitzgerald, Adrian Parkinson and John Butler have been awarded the Fellowship of the Irish Photographic Federation (FIPF). Des Clinton, Judy Boyle and Gabriel O’Shaughnessy are also Fellows of the Royal Photographic Federation (FRPS). Of only five photographers in Ireland who have been awarded Masters of FIAP (MFIAP), three are members of the Drogheda Photographic Club – Des Clinton, Judy Boyle and Gabriel O’Shaughnessy (as at July 2021).

NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, Drogheda Photographic Club offers a welcoming environment to learn, grow, and connect with fellow photography enthusiasts. Come and be a part of our thriving club!

From its inception, the main objective of the Club has been to promote and encourage photography in Ireland. We encourage members to apply for distinctions with the IPF and provide classes each year for individuals who want to improve their photography. Experienced members are always willing to share their knowledge with new members.