Wins on the double for Offaly's Lesley in charity calendar competition

A talented photographer from Offaly had more than one reason to celebrate when two of her images were chosen for use in a new calendar that will raise funds for a children's charity.

Lesley Lewis from Glosterbeg, Brosna, Birr, will have her work appear in 2024 Hereford Charity Calendar which goes on sale on November 1, with all proceeds going to Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin.

She was one of eight winners in a charity photo and calendar competition, in association with Irish Hereford Prime and the Irish Hereford Breed Society.

Lesley was awarded first place in 'The HEX Factor' category thanks to her entry "Glad of Their Hairy Coats on Frosty Mornings"; and she also scooped second place in the 'Hereford: An Environmentally Sustainable Breed' category for her image entitled "Reaping the Rewards of Mixed Grazing".

Aside from having the honour of seeing both pictures appear in this year’s charity calendar, Lesley also received €250 and €150 vouchers respectively for the selected entries.

Another artist whose work will be recognised in the 2024 Hereford calendar is 15-year-old Hannah O'Neill from Wicklow, who was named as the overall winner.

Hannah showcased her potential as a true budding artist with her beautiful drawing of a Hereford calf entitled "Cute as a Button".

Commenting on the selection process for the competition, Tennyson Egar, Operations and Account Manager at Irish Hereford Prime, said: "What made this year's competition so hard on our judges was the sheer amount of brilliant entries we had to choose from! They were spoilt for choice and completely blown away by some of the images.

"We have no doubt that all of the children and their families that benefit from the wonderful work carried out by Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin will be so grateful by the skilled efforts of all involved."

The 2024 Hereford Charity Calendar costs €10, including postage and packaging, and can be ordered online here.