Funderland is in Limerick this week. Kev and I decided to go along last night. I must say the second I got in the gate I got really uncomfortable trying to take photos in such a crowded place – I’m just not comfortable taking photos of people candid or otherwise. I’m happy to report that it didn’t take long to get over that problem – we were only there five minutes when two security guys were over asking what I was doing. After a short chat with the lads, they recommended a few of the rides that would be worth taking photos of. I was absolutely amazed by the amount of people that smiled, waved and posed for photos over the course of the night. I’ll be a little more comfortable the next time.

The Take Off ride looked like great fun.

I liked the paint job on the Safari Park truck – a Mack no less! Nevermind those ould Peterbuilts!

The clouds were amazing.

I got a few hilarious shots of terrified faces on some of the rides, but this one caught my eye – a load of feet pointing towards the sky.

The two girls below had a great laugh on the slingshot. Unlike everyone else that went before them, there was no swearing, just laughter.

Four out of five ain’t bad – one poor girl just didn’t really appreciate the “Take Off” ride.

A view up throughthe stalls towards the Ferris Wheel.

Closing time.

It was great to get out and about with the camera for a while – no pressure.

A view of Thomond Bridge in Limerick from outside City Hall on the banks of the river Shannon.

The National Lottery Skyfest kicked off the 2010 St. Patricks festival in Limerick. We didn’t have the best vantage point (this was taken from Sarsfield Bridge), but I couldn’t really get any closer and fit the whole lot into the frame.

It was a pretty good show – nice to see the streets of Limerick packed on a Saturday night – everyone in good form.

Dec 30.

The night started out as a poker night – although only one game was played. We moved onto a game of Death Air Hockey. Both knocked out in the first round, Kevin and Gary decided to toast each other on their loss. With the chink of glass, there was a splash of beer – the bottom fell out of Gary’s bottle! After officials cleaned the Air Hockey table – play resumed. Kevin’s fiancee, Edel, went on to win the tournament.

A very late – but great night – thanks to all for coming along!

Dec 29.

Glad to see that the tree was repaired on time for Christmas – after it crashed into the Shannon Bridge in Limerick during the recent floods. It was so foggy that you couldn’t see the bank on the other side of the river!

Dec 18.

It’s great to kick off the boots after a busy day at work. Before anyone comments – that’s not a visual representation of the smell…. it’s smoke because I’ve been working so hard!!! 🙂

I love these boots. I’ve had them since I was seventeen (thirteen years now). Originally I’d only wear them when I knew they wouldn’t get wrecked. But over the years as more and more marks appeared, I started using them in the garage and at races. They’ve been covered in motor oil, brake fluid, ATF, Grease and dirt so many times that they are now fully waterproof to the ankle (verified). They’re still comfortable and warm. Now that’s value.

Timberland – we salute you.

How:
I put insence into each of the boots  – propped up on a folded tissue (which is highly flamable by the way). One flash to camera left (full power as far as I could tell – need to download the manual and give it a read). Simple as that!

Thanks:
Thanks so much to Kevin for the loan of the flash and trigger. As usual, it’s his fault for making me want to buy more equipment. Before I attempted to take this photo, I wanted to get a flash…. now I NEED to.

Dec 11.

This fella was sheltering from the snow  in the porch of a neighbours house.  I thought it was funny that they went to the trouble of giving him a second scarf to keep him warm. Happy out!

Dec 10.

Also taken in Adare on the coldest photowalk since time began.

Dec 9.

Taken in Adare – just outside the Heritage Centre during a minature photowalk with Kevin and Gary. If I’m to be honest, this didn’t work out as I hoped it would at all. And I just can’t explain the strange colour of the light. It’s nights like this that remind me just how little I know about photography.

Dec 8.

Taken while stopped in traffic on Shannon St. in Limerick. Just a quick snap – I liked how it turned out. If I had attempted to take this back in January, I wouldn’t have managed to get the shot. So it’s a sign that I’m making progress (I hope).

Nov 30.

My watch – with it’s incorrect date and crusty strap. Needs a good cleaning.

Nov 29.

Dug out the old guitars last night. I’ve forgotten absolutely everything I used to know – except for the intros to “Under the Bridge” by the Chilli’s and “Creep” by Radiohead. One thing I haven’t been able to forget is my complete lack of Rythm – I was hoping this would improve with age.

The Strat (Cream),  came all the way from the States back when I was seventeen. Beautiful guitar – it has a nice thin neck, so it’s really easy to wrap your fingers around it.

The Tele (Left), is actually a replica I built for my leaving cert Construction Studies project back in 1998. The body is so thick, you have to sit down while playing it. As a result notes just ring out forever when you pluck the strings. There isn’t a strap strong enough or a human back tough enough to play it while standing up!