Midlands man shortlisted in world's biggest astrophotography competition

Tom O'Hanlon, from Tullamore, has his image of the moon rising over Hook Head Lighthouse in County Wexford shortlisted in the biggest astrophotography competition in the world, the Royal Museums Greenwich Astronomy Photographer of the Year.

Now in its 15th year, the competition this year received thousands of entries from 64 countries around the globe.

O'Hanlon's image, Moonrise Over Hook Head will be displayed in an exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in London from Saturday alongside a selection of exceptional shortlisted images while also featuring in the competition’s official book, published by Collins in association with Royal Museums Greenwich, which will be available exclusively on site and online at Royal Museums Greenwich.

Commenting on his success in the competition Mr O'Hanlon said he was "delighted" to have his image featured in the competition.

"It's an incredible honour to be shortlisted amongst some of the world's very best astrophotographers. It's an image that took a considerable amount of planning and thankfully I was able to capture it exactly as I had planned. I'm very much looking forward to attending the official launch of the exhibition in London".

This stunning image was taken from Dunmore East Golf Club, in Co. Waterford in July of 2022, shooting at an incredible distance of 5.3 kilometres from Hook Head Lighthouse, Co. Wexford