Offaly photographer to release charity book to coincide with Route 66 travel

Belmont man Darren Kennedy will travel Route 66 in the US with a group this September in support of Temple Street Children's Hospital.

Award-winning photographer Darren (38) will be snapping every stop along the way and plans to produce a book for the Christmas market with all proceeds going to Temple Street.

2022 marks two decades since the birth of the Route 66 Challenge which has seen over 750,000 miles accumulated and €5 million raised for Ireland's children's hospitals.

Since childhood, Darren has dreamed of travelling the famed route. From its depiction in John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath and classic movie Easy Rider, to the vast terrain and sweeping sights through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California, Darren's book will offer a window into the legendary locations, people and history along the highway. Over two weeks and four time zones, Darren will chronicle each step of the way with an ethos he has nurtured throughout his career.

"Photography is not something I produce, it's something that produces a change both in myself and my clients. In all my years and thousands of photo shoots, I have yet to finish a project and not look at the world in a new way. The camera lens captures what the human eye leaves behind. I consider myself nothing less than a chronicler of the human condition, for better or worse. When you see my photos, I think you'll agree."

Following lockdown, Darren was determined to support Temple Street and utilise his skills to make a significant impact. A firm believer in 'helping yourself by helping others', Darren has been a committed advocate for Temple Street for years, most recently co-organising a High Nelly Club fundraiser in the village of Clonaslee, Co. Laois in support of the children's hospital which raised €20,000.

Undertaking the mammoth project of a book feels like a natural extension of his efforts to date, and Darren feels privileged to have the opportunity to challenge himself for a cause he is passionate about. Witnessing the plight of incredibly young children during his previous efforts for Temple Street has brought a tear to his eye.

Proceeds from Darren's book will support the acute paediatric hospital which provides care for over 140,000 children every year. Donations are always needed for continued research, the purchase of vital equipment, patient care and parental supports which allow patients to enjoy their childhoods with play therapy and fun activities despite undergoing treatment.

For decades, new and innovative means of fundraising for Ireland's children's hospitals have been underway. The book is a means of continuing to back this ongoing effort. Given the scale of the project, there are multiple expenses involved. All donations to assist in getting this book to print are immensely appreciated. Darren's photography spans commercial and portraiture photography. From family occasions, to fashion spreads and headshots, Darren takes a tailored approach to each shoot. He is a member of the Irish Photography Association, and clients have described his work as "technically superb."

Darren's mother Christine is from outside Banagher and his father Peter is from Meath. He attended primary school in Belmont and then St Rynagh's Community College in Banagher. He later studied at the Photography Academy of Ireland.