These are a selection of my best people shots.

These are a selection of my best aviation shots.

The Celebration of Learning & Enterprise at An Cosan (formerly called the Graduation Evening) celebrates the end of he academic year. It is attended by the participants, their tutors as well as invited guests and funders.

invited guests and funders.

Eoin was one of over 1,000 cyclists who took the challenge to cycle 200km around Wicklow this afternoon. They started out at 7am from UCD and we ambushed him at Lambs' Cross for a photo-call near the finish. His time was well under 9 hours. Lochlann really wanted to have a "backer" into town but Niamh wouldn't hear of it!

finish. His time was well under 9 hours. Lochlann really wanted to have a "backer" into town but Niamh wouldn't hear of it!

Niamh & Simon kindly invited us to dinner to celebrate Eoin's 35th birthday (it was on the 5th). We had a lovely time but, sadly, Lochlann missed the photo-shoot by going off to bed early! The group shots at the end were triggered by IR remote-control but Niamh & Simon disrupted proceedings with their aggressive tickling.

shots at the end were triggered by IR remote-control but Niamh & Simon disrupted proceedings with their aggressive tickling.

For the 2nd year running the IHPA Bank Holiday Fly-In at Achill Island found great weather. Although we flew every day from the 750-ft take-off at Minaun, Sunday was the best day with pilots climbing out to more than 4,000 feet. We could clearly see some the Clew Bay's 365 little islands on the horizon (see pic #26). Achill's geography and the prevailing SE flow restricted any XCs but everyone landed with a broad smile and sore arms from fighting some monster thermals. I peaked at 12-up (m/sec) with lots of steady 5-up conditions. I logged a mini out and return to Dooega Village which is 4km from take-off (my first ever O&R flight). Special thanks to our brave wind-dummies Charlie, Alan, Gavin and Cathal for their enthusiasm!

out to more than 4,000 feet. We could clearly see some the Clew Bay's 365 little islands on the horizon (see pic #26). Achill's geography and the prevailing SE flow restricted any XCs but everyone landed with a broad smile and sore arms from fighting some monster thermals. I peaked at 12-up (m/sec) with lots of steady 5-up conditions. I logged a mini out and return to Dooega Village which is 4km from take-off (my first ever O&R flight). Special thanks to our brave wind-dummies Charlie, Alan, Gavin and Cathal for their enthusiasm!

Lochlann was at his best today and sporting his Oshkosh "smart casual" chequered dungaree shorts (a present from Jim's mother, Pat Gorman). Lochlann was fascinated by Nellie stalking Luka in the garden but he never realised that, behind his back, Nellie was stalking Lochlann! We had to shoo Nellie away all the time. I tried to show Lochlann how to smell the flowers but he just tried to eat them!

garden but he never realised that, behind his back, Nellie was stalking Lochlann! We had to shoo Nellie away all the time. I tried to show Lochlann how to smell the flowers but he just tried to eat them!

Despite the weather we had a great dinner and dance in the Millrace Hotel at Bunclody. Both IHPA and the hotel were surprised when we sold 83 dinner tickets and Fran Denny and his band really made the evening. Thanks to everything for making this a great night. I hear that I missed the arm-wrestling at 4am??

the evening. Thanks to everything for making this a great night. I hear that I missed the arm-wrestling at 4am??

We were down in Bunclody, County Wexford for the Celtic Cup Competition but the weather didn't co-operate. Mary and I invited other pilots to visit the beautiful walled gardens of Carlow but there were no takers so we ended up heading off alone! There were great photo opportunities and I've also recorded the GPS co-ordinates of Duckett's Grove so that I can fly back there at a future date for an aerial photo session. Incidentally, I reckon that the tower in pics #6 and #7 is nearly 100ft high. Mary's long legs are on optical illusion due to my super wide-angle lens!

were no takers so we ended up heading off alone! There were great photo opportunities and I've also recorded the GPS co-ordinates of Duckett's Grove so that I can fly back there at a future date for an aerial photo session. Incidentally, I reckon that the tower in pics #6 and #7 is nearly 100ft high. Mary's long legs are on optical illusion due to my super wide-angle lens!

The weather didn't co-operate for the 2009 Celtic Cup Competition at Mount Leinster but the hang gliders did get a nice flight on the Sunday afternoon. Here are some pics from the summit of Mount Leinster on the Saturday. We had a great turnout with 55 pilots registering for the competition. Most of our visiting pilots came from Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland with a few covert Brits masquerading as Celts. Special thanks to Eddie Redmond for taking the RTE cameraman up in his Kiss microlight for the aerial video footage.

Leinster on the Saturday. We had a great turnout with 55 pilots registering for the competition. Most of our visiting pilots came from Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland with a few covert Brits masquerading as Celts. Special thanks to Eddie Redmond for taking the RTE cameraman up in his Kiss microlight for the aerial video footage.

I was away in Spain and then in New York and in that short period our little mini-man has, literally, made great strides. His crawling speed accelerated and then he surprised Niamh and Mary one evening by grabbing hold of the couch and standing up! He was surprised himself as he immediately fell over but since then he's been grabbing onto anything upright and standing up.

evening by grabbing hold of the couch and standing up! He was surprised himself as he immediately fell over but since then he's been grabbing onto anything upright and standing up.

Howard, Susan, George, Deirdre, Mary and I had a great week in New York and on Sunday we went to Harlem for a Gospel Service. We didn't want to go on the "Tourist Trap" $80 tours so our taxi-driver brought us to one of many beautiful, small, quiet gospel churches. Bethel Harlem Gospel Church was about half-full and there were very few white faces like ours. However, we were made so welcome and we enjoyed an inspiring two hours of great music from a relatively elderly congregation. Minister Henry did get a bit carried away during his sermon which was all about Doubting Thomas. I had a funny feeling that he was speaking directly to me! I was allowed to photograph before the service started and I also got some scary pics of Mary with Satan later on!

brought us to one of many beautiful, small, quiet gospel churches. Bethel Harlem Gospel Church was about half-full and there were very few white faces like ours. However, we were made so welcome and we enjoyed an inspiring two hours of great music from a relatively elderly congregation. Minister Henry did get a bit carried away during his sermon which was all about Doubting Thomas. I had a funny feeling that he was speaking directly to me! I was allowed to photograph before the service started and I also got some scary pics of Mary with Satan later on!

Howard, Susan, George, Deirdre, Mary and I had a great week in New York. On Saturday we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset and had a lovely Thai dinner dinner in Williamsborough.

PS: Note that I took pic #2 using my DSLR QuickPod and remote control.

PPS: Apologies for the graffiti on the bridge which I only noticed afterwards.

Note that I took pic #2 using my DSLR QuickPod and remote control.

PPS: Apologies for the graffiti on the bridge which I only noticed afterwards.

Howard, Susan, George, Deirdre, Mary and I had a great week in New York. We went up to the 88th floor of the Empire State Building with Howard & Susan. There were amazing photo opportunities but I was delighted to see a pair of Peregrine Falcons cruising around and showing off to us at 1,400 feet. This seems the contradict the view of the guys at the Irish National Parks who believe that that Peregrines are delicate raptors that need to be separated from paragliders. The New York Peregrines didn't seem to be even slightly phased by thousands of tourists, yellow taxis and passing helicopters.

was delighted to see a pair of Peregrine Falcons cruising around and showing off to us at 1,400 feet. This seems the contradict the view of the guys at the Irish National Parks who believe that that Peregrines are delicate raptors that need to be separated from paragliders. The New York Peregrines didn't seem to be even slightly phased by thousands of tourists, yellow taxis and passing helicopters.

Howard, Susan, George, Deirdre, Mary and I had a great week in New York. On the Friday Mary surprised me by booking a helicopter trip for us as I was now in my 60th year! It was an amazing 20 minute flight which took us up and down both sides of the Hudson River, out over Upper Bay with the Statue of Liberty and in over Brooklyn Bridge. We were looking down the skyscrapers at we had close-ups of Ground Zero and the Statue of Liberty. Security was very tight - just like at a regular airport. The chopper was a 7-seater Bell 407 and we landed back at Manhattan Heliport with very large grins!

flight which took us up and down both sides of the Hudson River, out over Upper Bay with the Statue of Liberty and in over Brooklyn Bridge. We were looking down the skyscrapers at we had close-ups of Ground Zero and the Statue of Liberty. Security was very tight - just like at a regular airport. The chopper was a 7-seater Bell 407 and we landed back at Manhattan Heliport with very large grins!

Howard, Susan, George, Deirdre, Mary and I had a great week in New York. On Thursday we took the ferry out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Ellis was very moving and we had a wonderful volunteer guide, Marcus Smith.

volunteer guide, Marcus Smith.

Howard, Susan, George, Deirdre, Mary and I had a great week in New York and on our first morning we hopped onto a Gray Line Bus for a tour of the city. This was a great way to get our bearings for the week ahead. We also visited Ground Zero which is now a large construction site.

the week ahead. We also visited Ground Zero which is now a large construction site.

Mary got Eoin's old baby-chair down from the attic and Lochlann was perfectly happy in it. Note the smart casual, ice blue, V-necked sweater! The chair does need a mini-refurbishment which is planned for the near future. Anyone know where to get cartoon or animal transfers? Note my jock-stick modification. Eoin kept wriggling out by sliding down under the table so out came the toolbox.

planned for the near future. Anyone know where to get cartoon or animal transfers? Note my jock-stick modification. Eoin kept wriggling out by sliding down under the table so out came the toolbox.

Aoife Hogan had a wonderful 21st birthday party for her family and friends at the Naomh Eanna GAA Club in Gorey. Ciaran was on the decks and everyone had a great time (as you will see in the pics). Joan masterminded the catering arrangements and left us all replete! Thanks for a great evening in Gorey! Looking back at these pics I realise that my lovely niece is really a super-model!

Joan masterminded the catering arrangements and left us all replete! Thanks for a great evening in Gorey! Looking back at these pics I realise that my lovely niece is really a super-model!

Mary had invited Aoife (her God-daughter) up last week but the snow intervened so we deferred for one week. When Aoife arrived we also had Niamh, Simon, Lochlann, Eimear & Jim join in to celebrate Aoife's 21st. Mary surprised Aoife with the pavlova and we heard all about Aoife's planned trip to Asia and Oz.

Aoife's 21st. Mary surprised Aoife with the pavlova and we heard all about Aoife's planned trip to Asia and Oz.

Lochlann was the star of the show at his own christening when he took the name Lochlann Simon Fitzpatrick. Rev Horace McKinley demonstrated expert baby-handling skills and there were no tears when the water from the River Jordan was poured on Lochlann's head. Granny Boats travelled down from Larne which meant that there were 4 generations of Simon's family at the christening.

the water from the River Jordan was poured on Lochlann's head. Granny Boats travelled down from Larne which meant that there were 4 generations of Simon's family at the christening.

Both families were invited back to Morehampton Road where there was excellent finger-food and seemingly unlimited wine! Freya nearly upstaged Lochlann by arriving in her fairy dress c/w pink wings. Thanks to Niamh & Simon for a wonderful day and to Kathleen (whose wedding cake matured well since 2007)! The finger food prepared by Eoin, Ian and Simon also went down very well. When most of his guests had gone Lochlann showed us how he was able to sit up in front of the fire and read his "Barnyard Dance" book.

Thanks to Niamh & Simon for a wonderful day and to Kathleen (whose wedding cake matured well since 2007)! The finger food prepared by Eoin, Ian and Simon also went down very well. When most of his guests had gone Lochlann showed us how he was able to sit up in front of the fire and read his "Barnyard Dance" book.

Nellie is truly curious and Mary was about to turn on the washing machine when she realised that Nellie had been exploring inside the cylinder! Also, Mary was late for yoga today after spending 30mins in her wellies and dressing gown trying to talk Nellie down from the high wall in our back garden. Patience!

30mins in her wellies and dressing gown trying to talk Nellie down from the high wall in our back garden. Patience!

Niamh & Simon invited Louise, Ian, Mary and me down to Donnybrook for brunch on New Year's Day and I couldn't resist bringing my camera to shoot Lochlann in his new Danish high-chair. The Buck's Fizz was excellent as was Simon's Prawn Tortilla and Niamh's shortbread! Lochlann was in great form although maybe the shot titled "Grumpy Lochlann" near the end of the series is due to all the flashing lights! Thanks to Niamh & Simon for a lovely start to the year and to Mary for taking the shots in which you can see me. When viewing the thumbnails just click on SlideShow on the upper, right-hand side to see the pics.

was excellent as was Simon's Prawn Tortilla and Niamh's shortbread! Lochlann was in great form although maybe the shot titled "Grumpy Lochlann" near the end of the series is due to all the flashing lights! Thanks to Niamh & Simon for a lovely start to the year and to Mary for taking the shots in which you can see me. When viewing the thumbnails just click on SlideShow on the upper, right-hand side to see the pics.

These are my pics entered for the Ireland-PPG Photographic Competition.

Due to a slight confusion on dates the Hanleys missed yesterday's Hogan Family Christmas Drinks so we were delighted when they agreed to come along anyway this afternoon. Jack, Hope and Holly are Elaine & David's beautiful, photogenic children and 2½-year-old Holly just loved posing for the camera. Happily, Santa had left some Amnesty Ireland finger-puppets under the tree for them from yesterday! Ciaran Hogan also visited us and it was great to see him again.

Elaine & David's beautiful, photogenic children and 2½-year-old Holly just loved posing for the camera. Happily, Santa had left some Amnesty Ireland finger-puppets under the tree for them from yesterday! Ciaran Hogan also visited us and it was great to see him again.

This year the Highfield Hogans hosted the Hogan Family Christmas Drinks and we were delighted to have nearly 60 Hogans join us for drinks and finger-food. Eimear's bedroom was converted into a mini-crèche for the children. Later, Santa arrived bearing gifts for the children. These were finger-puppets from Amnesty Ireland kindly donated by Santa's Helper, Niamh Hogan.

mini-crèche for the children. Later, Santa arrived bearing gifts for the children. These were finger-puppets from Amnesty Ireland kindly donated by Santa's Helper, Niamh Hogan.

My few hours alone with Lochlann on Thursday mornings are ideal for secret photo sessions (as you can see in this album). Last week he rolled over unaided onto his tummy - a first that I witnessed. He was amazed to suddenly see his world the other way up! The beautiful quilt was made by our friend, Micki Butler, in Donegal who is an expert quilter and who was planning this quilt from before Lochlann's birth. I needed to shoot him in a white Babygro in order to do credit to Micki's handcraft.

He was amazed to suddenly see his world the other way up! The beautiful quilt was made by our friend, Micki Butler, in Donegal who is an expert quilter and who was planning this quilt from before Lochlann's birth. I needed to shoot him in a white Babygro in order to do credit to Micki's handcraft.

Local TDs Conor Lenihan, Charlie O'Connor, Brian Hayes and Pat Rabbitte all attended the Politicians' Meeting in An Cosan and they responded to a series of incisive questions from the floor.

The participants on the Young Women's Education Programme graduated this evening at An Cosan in Tallaght West, D24.

BHPA's inestimable Dave Thompson and unforgettable Mark Dale gave us 2 days of paragliding (and hang gliding) wisdom at the Derrynoid Centre near Draperstown in Northern Ireland. The IHPA attendees were grateful to be there and we look forward to implementing their excellent standards in coaching IHPA's intermediate pilots.

were grateful to be there and we look forward to implementing their excellent standards in coaching IHPA's intermediate pilots.

Lochlann really enjoyed himself at Ivan's Oyster Bar & Grill in Howth. You should have seen him cracking open the oysters and throwing the shells away!

I unintentionally left my camera at work over the long weekend so today was my first opportunity to get good, still shots of Nellie. She is one, confident kitten and, like Lochlann, she has beautiful, big eyes! We left Nellie alone in the Kitchen and returned to find her sprawled out in Luka's bed - just like Milo nearly a decade ago (see two 35mm film archive pics at the end of this album).

beautiful, big eyes! We left Nellie alone in the Kitchen and returned to find her sprawled out in Luka's bed - just like Milo nearly a decade ago (see two 35mm film archive pics at the end of this album).

Lochlann was exactly 3 months old today and I had arranged to mind him on my own (for the first time) while Mary was running in Marley Park. I took these pics at dinner-time when he was a bit more sleepy

sleepy

Grabbed a few quick (and discreet) shots as Mary was changing Lochlann's nappy on our bed. He really like the freedom of not having to wear a nappy for those few minutes. Unfortunately, I forgot to check my camera settings which is why these pics are at 800ASA. Doh!

check my camera settings which is why these pics are at 800ASA. Doh!

The NACI (National Aero Club of Ireland) delegation to the FI world airsports conference comprised Tom McCormack, Terry Rowan and myself. Terri Cullinane of Conference Partners joined us to pitch for the 2010 conference in Ireland which was successful. Bertie Ahern was a surprise visitor to the Irish delegation (see pics #55 and also #22 and #39)

the 2010 conference in Ireland which was successful. Bertie Ahern was a surprise visitor to the Irish delegation (see pics #55 and also #22 and #39)

After being cancelled due to appalling weather earlier in September the golfers got a wonderful day for the 2008 Gold Classic in Powerscourt.

I met Andy Smart at Otivar and he comprehensively briefed me on this potentially tricky site. Take-off is tight and a mass of antennae (surrounded by barbed wire). The landing field is a tiny car park with trees and it's on a promontory around which thermals float up making it difficult to get down. It took me 20 mins to get in safely.

with trees and it's on a promontory around which thermals float up making it difficult to get down. It took me 20 mins to get in safely.

I drove about 50km around from the Alpujarras Valley to south-east Granada where I met local coach Romain Bremont and UK ex-pat, Andy Smart. Cenes is a fine site in the northern foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada and I had a lovely evening flight when the 6-up afternoon thermals had died down. Many thanks to Romain and Andy for site guidance.

Sierra Nevada and I had a lovely evening flight when the 6-up afternoon thermals had died down. Many thanks to Romain and Andy for site guidance.

Geoff McMahon and Eoin Hogan organised a great competition at Mount Leinster and the weather, for once, was favourable. Unfortunately, our PG friends from UHPC came down the M1 and wiped the floor with us! Respect to Andy Jess and commiserations to those like me who never got to base!

with us! Respect to Andy Jess and commiserations to those like me who never got to base!

Lochlann has been a regular visitor to Highfield Court and he's now very alert (when he's not sleeping). Niamh assures me that he's smiling at her regularly but I was only able to catch some half-smiles.

half-smiles.

Stephen Sinclair's brother, Paul, photographed us as we flew at Lough Bray in the late afternoon. I have very few pics of me so I was very pleased to be able to download these images. My harness looks bulky because it incorporates an airbag which is designed to protect my back in the event of a heavier-than-intended landing.

looks bulky because it incorporates an airbag which is designed to protect my back in the event of a heavier-than-intended landing.

Eimear captains the Southside Taggers who fought their way into the Finals at St Mary's RFC. Sadly, they came up against the Meteors who were much the stronger team but the Southsiders fought bravely as you can see in the pics in this folder.

as you can see in the pics in this folder.

Jim Gorman captains the Pumas (mixed team) who also got into the Tag Rugby Finals at St Mary's RFC. They were playing the Pink Panthers and for a while they led until the Panthers got a girl-try (3 points versus 1 point for a boy-try). At the final whistle the score was 5-4 in favour of the Panthers!

points versus 1 point for a boy-try). At the final whistle the score was 5-4 in favour of the Panthers!

Eimear's team fought their way through to Saturday's Finals at St Mary's RFC, Templeville Road this evening. Both teams scored 4 tries but "Southside Taggers" went through as they had scored the first try. The light was very poor – hence the poor quality of the pics which were shot at speeds as fast as 800ASA and even 1600ASA!

first try. The light was very poor – hence the poor quality of the pics which were shot at speeds as fast as 800ASA and even 1600ASA!

Mary & Liam O'Loughlin's daughter, Elizabeth, married Tommy Dignam in Athboy and the Radiation Therapists from St Luke's Hospital were well-represented.

The people we met in Laragne were exceptionally friendly and supportive. Jocky, David and their team were inspirational. Congrats to Maurice McBride from UHPC who won the "Goal Virgin" award for making all 4 turnpoints and landing at Ribiers on the Wednesday. Special thanks to Eugen Moldovan from Romania who filled a gap on the Irish team and to Eoin whose idea it was in the first place.

making all 4 turnpoints and landing at Ribiers on the Wednesday. Special thanks to Eugen Moldovan from Romania who filled a gap on the Irish team and to Eoin whose idea it was in the first place.

We had a great time at the Ozone Chabre Open in Laragne (which is in the Haute-Alpes in SE France). It was mind-blowing to launch with 120 other pilots and Jocky and his team have amazing organisational skills getting us all safely into the air and safely back on the ground again.

organisational skills getting us all safely into the air and safely back on the ground again.

The IHPA Fly-In at Achill Island over the Whit Bank Holiday was very successful with a great turn-out. The paragliding wasn't epic but everyone enjoyed the sunny weather on Minaun. Note the interesting stone-art created by the surfers where they have laid out a flat maze and spelled out their names in stones on the grass beside their camp.

interesting stone-art created by the surfers where they have laid out a flat maze and spelled out their names in stones on the grass beside their camp.

Mary and I had a lovely time at the Chelsea Flower Show where, at 8am, Mary blagged her way onto Dermot Gavin's award-winning stand. Olivia Harrison's garden for the late, great, George was memorable but the whole day was memorable for both of us.

but the whole day was memorable for both of us.

We had a lovely afternoon with Brian & Mary Horn in Maynooth. Ruth was the centre of attention but there were lots of other children there too. I think that Neasa, Gerard & Ruth are one very photogenic family!

photogenic family!

Selection of shots for Beacon May 2008

I managed a quick morning soaring flight from Lijar's South-East take-off with Gilbert and Robert. The views were spectacular including Algodonales and Zahara and the lake. There was abundant and punchy thermal lift everywhere and I had to fly out thermals in order to land in time to get to Malaga Airport. Notice that, in the last pic, Gilbert is landing on his good leg. Not bad for a guy who has already passed the "normal" retirement age!

punchy thermal lift everywhere and I had to fly out thermals in order to land in time to get to Malaga Airport. Notice that, in the last pic, Gilbert is landing on his good leg. Not bad for a guy who has already passed the "normal" retirement age!

Paragliding in the the Algodonales region of Andalucia with the Munster Kestrels. I was with Gilbert McGlennon, Robert Shannon and Donal Cashman as well as Andreas, Krys, Bogdan and Wojtec. At Montellano we were flying with vultures, swallows and a USAF military transport plane (which flew down the valley at our altitude)!

Montellano we were flying with vultures, swallows and a USAF military transport plane (which flew down the valley at our altitude)!

We returned to Lijar after flying at Montellano and were rewarded with lovely evening soaring. I shot Donal, Gilbert and Robert taking off before following Bogdan into the air. We again shared the air with big Griffon Vultures with a 2.5m wingspan. I was advised to bottom-land beside the bull-ring in the valley and that I "couldn't miss it". Unfortunately I did miss it because the bull-ring looked like a water-tank. I landed 3km down the road from where Gilbert kindly retrieved me.

air with big Griffon Vultures with a 2.5m wingspan. I was advised to bottom-land beside the bull-ring in the valley and that I "couldn't miss it". Unfortunately I did miss it because the bull-ring looked like a water-tank. I landed 3km down the road from where Gilbert kindly retrieved me.

And I didn't need The Beach Boys! After a few days of wind and rain (and a short top-to-bottom at Teba) we went to Ronda La Vieja in the afternoon where we all had as much thermalling as we wanted. I was climbing out when a large Griffon Vulture came straight at me. Later, Krys entertained us with amazing flying (and ground handling). Donal was flying a Niviuk competition wing that had a very high aspect ratio and he was usually on top of the stack.

I was climbing out when a large Griffon Vulture came straight at me. Later, Krys entertained us with amazing flying (and ground handling). Donal was flying a Niviuk competition wing that had a very high aspect ratio and he was usually on top of the stack.

The Easter Gathering at An Cosan featured eggs, chicks, fun and games!

Half a dozen of us went north to Carlingford when Skerries was blown out but so was Carlingford! We returned to Skerries with our tails between our legs and, luckily, we eventually had good flying in the sunshine.

the sunshine.

Sqdrn Leader Rick Phillips at Weston gave a very informative lecture on flying the Buccaneer for the RAF which was well-attended by NACI members.

We have a cute brown rat living in the wall of our back garden. S/he enjoys foraging in the seed litter from the bird feeder. These poor quality shots were taken from inside the house in low light and at slow shutter speeds without a tripod at 1600ASA using a 200mm zoom lens. I have now set a humane trap and I hope to re-locate our rat to the Dublin Mountains in the near future!

The last 11 pics were taken 2 months later on 23-Feb-08 when, at last, the I successfully trapped the rat before releasing him/her up near Lough Bray in the Dublin Mountains.

and at slow shutter speeds without a tripod at 1600ASA using a 200mm zoom lens. I have now set a humane trap and I hope to re-locate our rat to the Dublin Mountains in the near future!

The last 11 pics were taken 2 months later on 23-Feb-08 when, at last, the I successfully trapped the rat before releasing him/her up near Lough Bray in the Dublin Mountains.

Last week I joined Fred Lahiff's PG School Trip to Mirleft - south of Agadir in Morocco. The flying (at Lagriza) wasn't quite as good as we had hoped but the excellent surfing (body-boarding) at a nearby beach more than compensated for non-flyable days. We had delicious food (and Moroccan wine) at Hotel Atlas where my bill for a week's full board (inc wine and beers) was a mere €220. Fred & Co are still there this week. (Note: the T/O pics are not of the Irish pilots).

nearby beach more than compensated for non-flyable days. We had delicious food (and Moroccan wine) at Hotel Atlas where my bill for a week's full board (inc wine and beers) was a mere €220. Fred & Co are still there this week. (Note: the T/O pics are not of the Irish pilots).

Killiney was wonderful and we all got the airtime that we craved. Having dutifully waited to log his 50th hour, Frank Cronin cruised up and down the ridge all day. Uli was concerned that Frank might have fallen asleep in the air!

have fallen asleep in the air!

Jason, Dave, Darren, Donal and I met in Athlone to fly with the Balloons. Unfortunately, only Jason and Dave were able to take-off but I got some fine shots of the balloons taking off.

Garrett FitzGerald presented the Joan FitzGerald Scholarship Awards 2007 to Niamh Byrne, Tracy O'Neill and John Ward at An Cosan.

Sunday was cloudier than Saturday but we were still able to play with the thermals at the summit. However, cloudbase was at the antenna so we were confined to within a few hundred feet of take-off. Most top-landed and flew again on this most enjoyable Sunday afternoon.

Most top-landed and flew again on this most enjoyable Sunday afternoon.

After a miserable summer we enjoyed unlimited airtime on Slievebawn. There were thermals to play with but we were capped by a low inversion. Eoin, Charlie, Dave, Lubor, Uli, Frank, Michal, Pauwel, Paul, Seb and others were there.

Paul, Seb and others were there.

Jason Killian took-off from the west coast near Ballyshannon, County Donegal around 12:15pm and landed near Blackrock, County Louth 2½ hours later. This is the first time a paramotor pilot has flown across Ireland!

across Ireland!

Some pics of ESB hill-walkers at lunch on the last day of our week in Slovenia. I went paragliding at Gerlitzen over the border in nearby Austria. My paragliding pics are in the folder named "Paragliding at Gerlitzen (Austria)". ALternatively, go to http://tinyurl.com/2a7dfe

"Paragliding at Gerlitzen (Austria)". ALternatively, go to http://tinyurl.com/2a7dfe

Mary's hill-walking group were staying in Slovenia which is just over 30mins from Gerlitzen. Ewald Kaltenhofer kindly briefed me and explained the site rules. The 6,300ft summit is in a 7,000ft restriction zone for the local airport so it was necessary to big-ear and spiral out of the best thermals! I particularly enjoyed meeting local pilot Kurt with Xena (his Jack Russell terrier who has logged more than 1,000 flights).

restriction zone for the local airport so it was necessary to big-ear and spiral out of the best thermals! I particularly enjoyed meeting local pilot Kurt with Xena (his Jack Russell terrier who has logged more than 1,000 flights).

The Pumas played really well and took the Plate at St Mary's RFC. However, 5 minutes from the final whistle Eimear collided with a guy twice her size and ended up in Tallaght A&E with a huge swelling on her eye. The make-up specialist now has a big challenge to fix Eimear up for Niamh & Simon's wedding on 3rd August!

on her eye. The make-up specialist now has a big challenge to fix Eimear up for Niamh & Simon's wedding on 3rd August!

Laragne wasn't as wonderful in 2007 as in previous years and the hangies had a much better time than the paragliders. However, we PGs did have two good flights at Chabre South and at Mison.

Pics of Eimear's Southside Taggers Team at Templeogue College.

Match pics of Eimear's team - Southside Taggers - at Templeogue College

Myself and Eddie Galway lost a day to parawaiting at Slievenamon so I occupied myself by shooting the perfect take-offs of the hang gliders. Sadly no one logged any serious XC in the high pressure but it was an enjoyable day on the mountain.

but it was an enjoyable day on the mountain.

The IHPA & UHPC Powered Fly-In at Tyrella Beach was washed out but that didn't affect the dinner on the Saturday night at the Slieve Croob Inn. Unfortunately, the official UHPC solicitor censored quite a few of my images. Here are the few remaining pics that I was permitted to publish. Thanks to Davy and the UHPC guys for hosting this event. We're all looking forward to the next one.

quite a few of my images. Here are the few remaining pics that I was permitted to publish. Thanks to Davy and the UHPC guys for hosting this event. We're all looking forward to the next one.

The newly-refurbished Shelbourne Hotel was the venue for The Shanty's 21st Anniversary Gala Ball

After the disappointment of Killiney we de-camped to Lough Bray and soared away to our hearts' content. Thanks to Frank Cronin for phoning to let us know that the wind was right. My new 10mm wide-angle lens performed well.

wide-angle lens performed well.

We spent most of the day at Killiney in a light marginal wind. We convinced ourselves that we could soar it but on each occasion we soon sank out. I landed beside a group of Filipinos who were having a barbecue on the beach. Happily for me they plied me with chicken kebabs, slices of melon and non-alcoholic drinks!

having a barbecue on the beach. Happily for me they plied me with chicken kebabs, slices of melon and non-alcoholic drinks!

Sunday at Mount Leinster's Westerly Car-Park made up for Saturday's disappointment. Many pilots were there and it was great to share the air with you all. Charlie, Gavin and others tackled the gorse fire until the Fire Brigade arrived!

fire until the Fire Brigade arrived!

The hang gliders enjoyed good soaring at IHPA's Competition #1 for 2007 but the conditions at Slievenamon were not great for the paragliders. Some PGs took off in a lull but Gavin and Charlie sank out while Uli got cloud-sucked! Here's a take-off sequence of Gavin Lyng. I love the colours of his Advance Epsilon!!

out while Uli got cloud-sucked! Here's a take-off sequence of Gavin Lyng. I love the colours of his Advance Epsilon!!

Some pics of ewes and lambs at Lacken where we paraglide. Be sure to view the last four pics which carry the biblical title "...and the lion shall lie down with the lamb". Luka loves sun-bathing whenever sunbeams light the garden and she curled up nicely beside the porcelain sheep.

whenever sunbeams light the garden and she curled up nicely beside the porcelain sheep.

The wind was marginally big on Easter Sunday but Fred, Seb, Gavin, Uli and Tim all managed flights in the lulls. Hang glider David Daly was in his element. Gavin coped well with a big collapse. Seb's usual expert handling was dented when he got hoicked up but the only damage was to his pride. Note that the first four pics are Uli at Lacken on the previous Thursday.

Seb's usual expert handling was dented when he got hoicked up but the only damage was to his pride. Note that the first four pics are Uli at Lacken on the previous Thursday.

Jason Killian brought me to Millicent GC in North Kildare yesterday and got me safely into the air. This time I was carrying my reserve and my Canon 300D for the first time. I had also bungeed my extended brakes to my harness which was much safer. Pics aren't great as I inadvertently left the Canon set at 800ASA - doh!! Andrew McMahon has nothing to worry about - yet!

extended brakes to my harness which was much safer. Pics aren't great as I inadvertently left the Canon set at 800ASA - doh!! Andrew McMahon has nothing to worry about - yet!

These pics are of Jakob Palriolof's amazing PagoJet paramotor which he bought for a mere €3,500 (that's about £2,400). It's a 2-stroke, 3-cylinder radial engine with unique features like the mercury kill switch (which is tied to the cage).

mercury kill switch (which is tied to the cage).

Since it was blown out down south, Myself, Ger Doherty and Billy Mooney travelled north to join UHPC for a fine afternoon's ridge-soaring at Slieve Gallion.

My first flight in 2007 and I logged nearly two hours! I eventually landed due to bladder pressure. There were a dozen pilots in the air and Killiney proved as wonderful as ever. Lip rotor meant that we had to inflate back at the obelisk and push forward to the edge carefully keeping the wing pressurised.

that we had to inflate back at the obelisk and push forward to the edge carefully keeping the wing pressurised.

Bray Head was too light and too SE so we headed back to Killiney. The obelisk is being restored - hence the blue safety wrap and the scaffolding. Dave, Jason, Charlie, Gavin, Uli, Mike, Lubor and Ryszard all had a good time in the light winds. We got ~30 minutes before landing on the beach. You can tell that Jason is newly-wed by the impressive Jester's Hat!

Ryszard all had a good time in the light winds. We got ~30 minutes before landing on the beach. You can tell that Jason is newly-wed by the impressive Jester's Hat!

Some pics of the ESB hill-walkers in Picos de Europa in Northern Spain. I was paragliding at Torimbia and m,y praglidin pics are in the folder named "Playing at Playa de Torimbia". Alternatively, go to http://tinyurl.com/ypuck5

to http://tinyurl.com/ypuck5

I went to Picos de Europa in Northern Spain with Mary's hill-walking club and had a great day's flying at Playa de Torimbia. I was on my own as it was mid-week but two Brits kindly agreed to monitor my flight while they enjoyed their picnic in the sunshine. I landed on the nudist beach which, sadly, was practically (but not completely) deserted!

my flight while they enjoyed their picnic in the sunshine. I landed on the nudist beach which, sadly, was practically (but not completely) deserted!

Pics from the KAL Case Celebration at An Cosan

Fred Corcoran impressed us all with his ground-handling which included mounting Simon Barry's car. He must be truly desperate!!

My Polish friend, Dawid, built a fine box for my paramotor and I built a ramp to get it into the Pajero.

IHPA HG Competition Officer Jim Dowling was pleased that the weather facilitated the holding of a competition at Mount Leinster's Westerly Car Park. We paragliders flew later when the wind dropped but not before Charlie had a little drag through the heather! Thanks Monica for retrieving me from Myshall.

but not before Charlie had a little drag through the heather! Thanks Monica for retrieving me from Myshall.

I was on my way back to Blanchville House in Kilkenny from paragliding at Mount Leinster when I noticed this beautiful mare and foal who obligingly posed for me near Borris, County Carlow!

Rachael happily flew off before me which enabled me to better judge the flying conditions before following her into the sky over Chabre.

A bunch of Irish hang gliders flew in the Belgian Open at Laragne in the Haute-Alpes in SE France. I was the only paraglider but I met up with Terry & Sandra Stubbs of Adventure Extreme and had excellent paragliding. There's a wonderful new mat at the northern take-off which I've named the "Mangan Mat" as it marks the exact spot where John Mangan had a serious accident on take-off in 2005.

excellent paragliding. There's a wonderful new mat at the northern take-off which I've named the "Mangan Mat" as it marks the exact spot where John Mangan had a serious accident on take-off in 2005.

These pics of Mike Anderton were shot on the evening of my first paramotor flight. I'm particularly proud of my shots of "Mike on Finals" (Pics #9 and #10) with the setting sun abaze behind him.

Jason (and Dave Donnelly) were teaching me to paramotor and Jason kindly test-flew my FB Simonini / Advance Epsilon combination before my first flight. I particularly like the "Icarus" shot of Jason (Pic #10) silhouetted against the setting sun.

(Pic #10) silhouetted against the setting sun.

My Fresh Breeze Simonini 122cm paramotor arrived from Germany and Dave Donnelly kindly agreed to teach me the basics. Philip Lardner let us use his garden and his tree. Sadly, Pookie the Donkey wasn't interested in PPG (Powered Paragliding)! Many thanks to Dave and Philip for their invaluable help and advice.

wasn't interested in PPG (Powered Paragliding)! Many thanks to Dave and Philip for their invaluable help and advice.

I had a great day's paragliding today with Gavin Lyng and Billy Mooney. Notice how much brighter the pics are once I get out from under the sea-breeze convergence that chased us from take-off. I'm very happy to log this memorable 13km flight - cloudbase was at about 5,300 feet. Many thanks to Billy for retrieving me.

very happy to log this memorable 13km flight - cloudbase was at about 5,300 feet. Many thanks to Billy for retrieving me.

Dave Donnelly and I headed off to Arra Mountain overlooking the Shannon at Killaloe where we met up with HGs Enda Carrigan and Craig Ennis at take-off. We had a wonderful afternoon's ridge-soaring in beautiful weather.

beautiful weather.

These pics were taken during a great weeek's skiing and paragliding in Mayrhofen (south of Innsbruck in Austria)

We had a great day's paragliding at Skerries today with ten pilots in the air - Uli, Dave, Alan (X2) Fergus, Simon, Shay, Dave, Charlie and me.

Six paragliders had great last flights of the year at Ballyconnigar Beach. Again, it was Mike Anderton who suggested Wexford and, since Killiney was blown out, off we went. Everyone soared in a perfect SE and after a few beats I ridge-ran 5km north along the sand-cliffs to Ballynamona Beach. Mary & Ali are two local Wexford girls who gave me a lift back to Ballyconnigar. They even carried my wing for me!

perfect SE and after a few beats I ridge-ran 5km north along the sand-cliffs to Ballynamona Beach. Mary & Ali are two local Wexford girls who gave me a lift back to Ballyconnigar. They even carried my wing for me!

We tried the sea-wall at Skerries but the wind was more turbulent than yesterday and no one wanted to feature on the Six O'Clock News by landing on the railway line! Mark and Dave brought us to a new site near Rush where I got these atmospheric pics of Dave. Mark had already flown and landed. Although it looks like night flying it was actually at sunset with the Canon set to 800ASA.

site near Rush where I got these atmospheric pics of Dave. Mark had already flown and landed. Although it looks like night flying it was actually at sunset with the Canon set to 800ASA.

Eight paragliders enjoyed perfect soaring conditions along the sea-wall at Skerries on St Stephen's Day. The light was poor and I was pleasantly surprised to find that, at 1600ASA, my Canon 300D still produced half-decent images.

produced half-decent images.

Beautiful weather resulted in a perfect afternoon's ridge-soaring at Slievebawn (below Mount Leinster). Fred was there with the paragliding school as were Fergal, Uli, Dave, Jason, Tim, Frank, Marius and lots of others.

and lots of others.

The wind was too light to soar but that didn't stop Eoin, Billy, Dave, Uli and me. Only Eoin got away cleanly in the nil wind conditions and I wasn't the only one who ended up running through the rocks below take-off! Eoin took all these pics except for my 2 rainbow pics.

rocks below take-off! Eoin took all these pics except for my 2 rainbow pics.

Myself, Uli, Fred (Corcoran), Dave, Fergal and Mike all flew top-to-bottoms at Killiney today in murky conditions. Fred landed after me and I missed the shot of the year when he performed a most impressive high-speed, somersault landing!

impressive high-speed, somersault landing!

Pics of the ESB hill-walkers in Kandersteg, Switzerland

Pics (mostly taken in the air) while paragliding in Kandersteg with Mary's 44-strong hill-walking group holiday. Many of the walkers are from the ESB and our evening dinners together were most enjoyable.

enjoyable.

Disappointing XC day ended up as ridge-soaring in and out of the low cap-cloud that regularly covered take-off. One of the reasons that these pics are not up to my usual standard is that they were taken with my old 4MP Minolta F100 and not my 6MP Canon 300D.

taken with my old 4MP Minolta F100 and not my 6MP Canon 300D.

We visited the art exhibition at Burnchurch (in the open - under the roofless church) which commemorates a forgotten WWII atrocity off Lithuania. On 30th January 1945, during the dying days of WWII, a Russian submarine torpedoed the liner "Wilhelm Gustloff" carrying German refugees. Everyone died in the icy Baltic waters and the estimates of the death toll range from 6,000 to 8,000 - mostly children. (The graves in the churchyard have no connection with the WWII atrocity).

a Russian submarine torpedoed the liner "Wilhelm Gustloff" carrying German refugees. Everyone died in the icy Baltic waters and the estimates of the death toll range from 6,000 to 8,000 - mostly children. (The graves in the churchyard have no connection with the WWII atrocity).

These are the only pics that could be published. Numerous others depicting lewd behaviour by hang gliders have been suppressed.

After parawaiting all day on Chabre we were driven down by thunder and lightning so we drove for 45 mins to Aspres where myself, Billy, Jamie and Gilbert we had a wonderful evening flight in ridge and restitution lift with ~15 other pilots. The best bit was my first landing at an airport (well, an airfield) as Le Chevalet is the official landing field for Aspres.

restitution lift with ~15 other pilots. The best bit was my first landing at an airport (well, an airfield) as Le Chevalet is the official landing field for Aspres.

Flying Chabre's Southern Take-Off with Gilbert McGlennon and Billy Mooney before heading down to land at Laragne Campsite

John piled in on take-off from Chabre North at 4,400ft but he made a good recovery and is being discharged from hospital in France next week.

Gilbert McGlennon brought myself and Billy Mooney to Mens (pronounced "Mon") to fly the middle slopes of the 8,500ft mountain

Fran Denny had a tricky landing last Saturday at the Diamond Field. Happily, the only damage was a broken upright. I sent Fran these shots and he kindly agreed that I could publish them.

Hang gliders and paragliders flying from Mount Leinster summit

Hang Gliders taking off at Mount Leinster

Pics of Eoin & Dara paragliding at Maulin (taken by Will Goudie)

9 paragliders had a ball at Maulin (near Enniskerry) in fairly challenging thermic conditions in the bowl between Maulin and Tonduff South Mountains.

Paragliding at Dungiven West and Sliabh Gallion with UHPC at June Bank Holiday Weekend

We had a nice day soaring thermals at Mount Leinster today but no one got to fly cross-country.

Paragliding the "Cliffs of Mike" at Ballyvaldon, County Wexford with Dave Donnelly and Fergal Kearney

Photo-Montage of Daryn Clements Landing his Hang Glider at the Diamond Field in Gusty Conditions. The pics were taken with a standard lens and digitally zoomed.

Hang Gliding at The Nine Stones take-off at Mount Leinster

Some lambs pictured in the field below the Westerly Car Park

Paragliding at Lacken in very light conditions

Air-2-Air Shots of Winter Paragliding at Mount Leinster with Fergal, Simon, Eddie, Simon, Jim, Kenneth, Philip and Enda

Our cat, Curiosity, lives up to her name as she explores the bag from the Off-Licence

Paragliding and hang gliding at Mount Leinster while Red Bull were filming

Paragliding in the Dolomites while on holidays in Molveno, Italy with Mary's hill-walking group