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ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR UNIQUE FOSSIL PHOTO CONTEST
University College Cork’s science education programme Ireland’s Fossil Heritage is inviting people across Ireland to photograph fossils , to be in with a chance of winning up to €400!
Ireland’s Fossil Heritage has launched the National Fossil Photo Contest 2024. The theme of the contest is Irish Fossils – Hidden Treasures, and it is open to anyone aged 18 years or over living in Ireland. The public are encouraged to explore the great outdoors and photograph a fossil in a natural or an urban environment. Winning entries from last year’s contest depicted fossils in counties Cork, Galway, Kerry, Roscommon, Sligo and Wexford.
Dr Jess Franklin, Senior Engagement Officer with Ireland’s Fossil Heritage said, “Ireland has abundant fossils that can be discovered in the building stones and pavements of Irish towns and cities and in natural rocky outcrops around our coastline and on our mountains. We really encourage the public to search for these hidden treasures and send us a photo of what they find. If you’re looking for inspiration or for information on where to find fossils, we have an interactive map on our website that highlights some fossil sites that are easily accessible!”
Professor Maria McNamara, Professor of Palaeontology at UCC, said, “When it comes to our heritage, we often don’t realise what’s right under our nose. We are very lucky in Ireland to have a rich fossil record, and fossil-rich rocks form a large part of the Irish coastline and are popular building stones. This means that fossils are much easier to find – and much more accessible – than you might expect.”
Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place with several Highly Commended prizes up for grabs. All winners will receive a voucher worth up to €400 and a high-resolution foamcore print of their winning photo. The winning artworks will feature in public exhibitions at Cork City Public Library and Mayfield Library in November 2024.
The National Photo Contest 2024 is now open. The closing date for entries is 5 pm Friday 27th September. For more information check out the Ireland’s Fossil Heritage website.