Killyleagh photographer Daphne is recognised

1 October 2025

A KILLYLEAGH woman has triumphed in Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s annual amateur photography competition.

The council recently announced the winners of the competition which celebrates the district’s three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Mournes, Ring of Gullion and Strangford and Lecale.

Daphne Ferguson secured second place with her springtime image ‘Bursting with Springtime’, which she captured in Killyleagh.

First place went to Enda Quinn from Newry for his image ‘Binnian’s Sunset’, taken in the Mourne Mountains, while the U-18 Category was won by Paul McVerry from Whitecross, Co Armagh for his photograph ‘St John’s Evening Sky’ taken at Killough.

Each year, the winning entries are published in the AONB Calendar, an annual publication that showcases the district’s most captivating landscapes through the lens of amateur photographers.

The 2025 competition received a high level of interest, with a range of images capturing the natural beauty of the district.

Judging took place in early September with a panel comprising Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairperson Philip Campbell; Ards and North Down Borough Council Mayor Gillian McCollum and David Maginn, chairperson of the Mourne Heritage Trust.

Cllr Campbell said the competition, organised by the council’s AONB and Geopark management team, “provides an opportunity for amateur photographers to capture and share the stunning diverse natural landscapes that define our district, which is now internationally recognised as the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark”.

“The standard of entries was outstanding, and I look forward to seeing the final selection showcased in the 2026 AONB Calendar,” he added.

The 2026 AONB calendar will be available ahead of the Christmas season, with further details on the AONB websites.

A full gallery of the winning and finalist images from the 2025 competition are now available to view at www.ringofgullion.org.

Tweets by @TheDownRecorder