Michael’s face was a picture when he found out he’d won a cathaoirleach award

A VETERAN photographer with The Nationalist was given a surprise honour at Carlow Co Council’s annual meeting last week in recognition of his dedication to documenting local democracy over nearly three decades.

Michael O’Rourke, who has been capturing images for this newspaper since January 1998, was presented with the Cathaoirleach Award on Monday 16 June by outgoing cathaoirleach Fergal Browne in an unexpected gesture that left the photographer stunned and delighted.

“I would describe him as a 19th member of Carlow Co Council because he’s at every council event,” said cllr Browne, explaining his decision to honour Michael’s 27 years of service. “His photographs will be a great way of recording history going forward.” 

The outgoing cathaoirleach praised Michael’s commitment to comprehensive coverage, noting how the photographer goes far beyond the basic requirements.

“I think he goes above and beyond the call of duty. I often saw him going back into events, say the events were on for a few hours. He wouldn’t just arrive and take a photograph and go; he’d go back in later on to get different photographs, different speakers. He does a lot of work and I thought that it was nice to acknowledge it.” 

According to cllr Browne, Michael was genuinely surprised by the recognition. “He got a shock when it was announced. He couldn’t believe it.” 

The cathaoirleach reflected on some of the memorable images O’Rourke has captured over the years, highlighting both significant civic moments and community celebrations.

“When I was mayor years ago, he got a fantastic photograph of us opening the skateboard park and this year when I was leaving as cathaoirleach, I got a framed picture from when I attended the official opening of The Forge hen shed, the women’s shed on Tullow Road, where Michael had taken a photograph of me with the ladies there on International Women’s Day,” cllr Browne recalled.

“He’s able to get some lovely photographs.” 

During the same meeting, the outgoing cathaoirleach also thanked local media for coverage of county council events, particularly recognising former Nationalist deputy editor Suzanne Pender, who concluded her 28-year career with the newspaper on the same day.

“I want to pay a particular tribute to Suzanne Pender who is finishing up in The Nationalist today. I want to wish her every success in her future endeavours. Suzanne has been a great supporter of Carlow local authorities and members over the years,” cllr Browne said, thanking local media for their coverage of council news.