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Dan Cronin, West Cork, Macroom (2026)

10/09/2026

Faces of Macroom / Kentucky: Connecting Roots 🌿🇺🇸
Patrick W. O'Leary 🇮🇪✨

I first crossed paths with Patrick a few months back when he dropped a comment on one of my posts, saying he’d be over from Kentucky in September and would love to link up 💬✈️. We chatted away via post comments as the months went by, and once he touched down and checked into the Castle Hotel, we locked in a time to finally meet up 🏨📍.

We met in reception this morning, ordered a coffee and water up at the café counter, and took them through to sit down together in the bar area ☕️💧. You know that rare feeling when you meet someone in person for the very first time, but within minutes you feel like you’ve known them your entire life? That was exactly it 🙌. We sat chatting away like old friends for well over an hour, sharing a good few laughs and listening to him share the fascinating history of his family 😄📜.

He made the journey across the Atlantic for a huge milestone—the 30th anniversary of the O'Leary Clan Gathering, reconnecting folks back to their roots out by Inchigeelagh and Carraig na Curragh castle grounds 🏰🌳. They are expecting around 40 to 50 people for Friday’s event, with the vast majority travelling over from America—many with deep family ties to the area, and plenty of them setting foot in Ireland for the very first time 🌎👣.

I’m hoping to pop out on Friday to capture a few frames of the gathering myself, weather permitting of course 📸🌧️🤞.

It’s incredible how a simple comment on a screen can lead to such genuine connection and great company 🤝❤️.
A pure gentleman, and wishing Patrick and the entire O'Leary clan the warmest welcome home and a fantastic gathering ahead ☘️🎉.

08/09/2026

Faces of Macroom — Liam and Kelly 🐕🐾⭐

I got in touch with Liam O’Keeffe a few weeks back to arrange a visit, so today myself and Colette called out to Five Star Canine in Macroom 🐕🚗💨.

Liam and Kelly are so wonderful to chat with, and the minute you step out onto the grass, you actually feel like part of the team 🤝🌿. The advice and information they shared with us was second to none, and we learnt so much today about what really goes into this work 🧠✨. We were very happy to experience the sheer power, drive, and control of these amazing dogs firsthand 🐾⚡.
Liam even let us get hands-on with the gear—I stepped up to take the hit on the sleeve first, and seeing that incredible focus in action made Colette want to jump in and try it right after me! 🛡️💥 Feeling that split-second impact and watching how instantly the dog locked on, then responded to Liam’s calm commands, gave us both a massive appreciation for the deep trust and discipline built into every single drill 🐕💪🔥.

Behind that standard is an incredible level of dedication from Liam and Kelly ⭐. Between them, they are heavily involved in IGP dog sport, having qualified six times to compete at World Championship level representing both Ireland and the UK on the international stage 🌍🇮🇪🇬🇧. Liam is an IGP GSA Irish National Champion with top helper and tracking qualifications, while Kelly has competed at elite international levels, including the FMBB World Championships and a 3rd place CACIT finish in the Netherlands 🏆🥇.

What makes their setup stand out, though, is that it isn’t just about competition dogs 🐶. Most days you’ll find them working with everything from family pets and young pups to high-drive working dogs and those that just need a bit more understanding, patience, and experience 😂🐾. Canine health and fitness is a massive part of what they do, using qualified conditioning knowledge to focus on the whole dog rather than just the drills, alongside looking after boarding guests at the Five Star Canine Retreat 🏡🐕❤️.
To have world-class expertise, genuine patience, and that standard of handling right here in our community is something truly special 🌟.

⭐ Five Star Canine Fitness and Training: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EqwLa6yzS/ 🐕💥

⭐ Five Star Canine Retreat: https://www.facebook.com/share/19Eg5Smuaz/ 🏡🐾

Massive credit to Liam and Kelly for opening up their field and welcoming myself and Colette into their world today 🙌🐾🔥. The entire experience was completely unreal from start to finish. Standing out there, feeling that unbelievable surge of power hit the sleeve, and watching the calm, instantaneous communication between dog and handler is something that will stay with us for a very long time. The knowledge, the warmth, the patience, and the sheer graft they pour into every single second on that turf is on another level. Two genuine, remarkably talented people doing extraordinary work right on our doorstep, and we couldn't have asked for a better day out with them 🐕👏❤️✨.

02/09/2026

Gougane Barra: Stepping Inside 🏛️✨

I took a step inside St. Finbarr’s Oratory yesterday rather than framing up another lake reflection ⛪. That cool stone silence, the light cutting through the glass, and the glow at the altar give you a stillness you simply don’t get from standing across the water 🌿🕯️🙏

28/08/2026

Faces of Clondrohid – Barry O’Brien Motors 🔧🚗🏁

I first met Barry while shooting photos up in Washateria last week 🧼📸, and he gladly passed on his number to call over to the garage. After checking in yesterday 📞, I visited Barry O’Brien Motors in Clondrohid today. When I walked up, Finbarr and Fionan were outside, but the second Fionan saw me, he announced he had to inspect something and kept walking 👀🏃‍♂️, despite Finbarr trying to call him back!

Finbarr had me laughing right from the start. He looked over and asked, "Are you the Dan Cronin that does the photos on Facebook?" When I told him with a smile that I was, he said, "Ah right, I thought you were the other fella!" 😄 I told him smiling away that I get that all the time.

He walked me inside where Barry and Aleix were hard at work under the vehicles 🚘🛠️, letting me know I had just missed seeing two sporty Mazdas up on the lifts yesterday! 🏎️💨 Barry was telling me about a hilarious moment when he was checking a gearbox oil level on the lift and the nut dropped to the floor. To stop the oil pouring out everywhere, he quickly jammed his finger right into the hole to plug it 🛢️☝️, leaving him completely stranded stretching down as far as humanly possible trying to grab the nut off the ground! 😂🤣

It is a great milestone for Aleix this week too, celebrating his first year on the team 🎉👏. All three lads were fantastic to work with when stepping in for a quick shot by the lift. You really have to admire the mechanical skill, dedication, and great laughs inside those garage walls 🔧💪.

You can check out their page here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BgafQ37py/ 📲

I really appreciate the time from Barry, Finbarr, Aleix, and Fionan for welcoming me in and having such good fun with it! 🛠️🚗✨👏

26/08/2026

Behind the Scenes: Michael Twomey Butchers – Marking 30 Years of Craft & Graft 🥩🔪

I met with John Desmond at the Macroom Music Fest, and we got chatting about seeing the work that goes on behind the scenes. 🎶 He gave me his number so we could arrange a morning to call down. 📲

We set it up for today, and when I arrived, John Desmond was out on the road sorting deliveries. 🚚 I sat down with John Hunt over a cup of coffee instead, and we had a great chat about the background of the business. ☕ With Michael Twomey Butchers marking their 30th anniversary this September, it was great to hear how the place has grown over the decades.
🎉 John was explaining how before they built the meat processing unit, all the heavy carving and prep work had to be done right up at the butcher shop itself. Today, along with keeping everything locally sourced from nearby farms, they distribute their premium meats to artisan butcher shops, cafes, bars, hotels, and restaurants right across the country. 🚜🥩

John Hunt then brought me downstairs to meet back up with John Desmond, who took me into the changing rooms to get kitted out. I suited up in the white jacket and hairnet for hygiene rules before stepping onto the floor of the meat processing unit. 🥼🧤

John walked me straight into the cold room and explained how the whole setup operates from the ground up. ❄️ Once the carcass is hoisted onto the hook and overhead rail, it stays locked onto that track without ever leaving the line until it glides directly into the carving bays. 🥩⚙️
The scale inside the unit is incredible to see in person—crates stacked high, batch codes tracked with precision, and a steady rhythm where heavy lifting meets fine blade skills. Watching the lads break down whole sides, prepare batches of fresh poultry, link sausages, and box up prime cuts for the morning delivery vans shows just how much technical coordination and graft goes into running a modern processing facility while holding onto traditional craft. 📦🔪
Next, I went up to the shop with John Desmond, and he let me get right in behind the counter to capture the work in motion. The lads were fantastic to work with, letting me frame close-ups of the prep while waiting for me to come over to explain what each machine did and walking me through the whole process step by step. 🔪🥩
Seeing the entire journey unfold from the cold rails in the processing unit right down to the finished display on the shelf gives you massive respect for the trade. 🛒 The lads were a pleasure to chat with all morning, and the laughter and craic was brilliant throughout. 😄
It was great to capture the early starts, skilled hands, and honest graft that keeps quality local food moving across our community and beyond every single day. 🥩🥓
I want to say a massive thanks to John Desmond, John Hunt, and all the lads across the unit and the shop for welcoming me in, showing me the ropes, and letting me document the hard graft behind the scenes. 🙌

Check out their page here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DA2S9rtPu/ 🙌🥩🔪🥓🧤🛒📸

23/08/2026

THE DOORS ARE OPEN AT WASHATERIA 💜🌸

I called down to Washateria today for their open day, and the transformation from all the late-night graft to today's celebration was brilliant to see! 🎈✨

The place was buzzing from the start. Between the purple balloon arch framing the entrance, the cosy lounge area with warm lamps and couches to relax while the wash is spinning, and the whole family pitching in—from sticking logos on the takeaway cups to showing everyone around—it has such a welcoming feel. There was a fantastic spread laid on to mark the occasion, and the machines were looking spotless and ready for action. 🥪☕🧺

Wishing Caitriona, Greg, and the entire family the absolute best of luck with this fantastic new addition to the town! 💜🌸🎈🧺☕🎉✨

22/08/2026

THE FINAL TOUCHES AT WASHATERIA 💜🌸

I got a message from Caitriona earlier saying she was heading down to put up the signage, so I told her I’d be there to catch the progress! 📱🙌✨

When I arrived outside Washateria, it was brilliant to see everyone stuck into the graft. 💪 Caitriona was up high placing the main lettering by hand before getting stuck into the purple garland 🌸🪜, with Greg non-stop on the go running in and out passing up flowers and shifting the ladder and platform for her. 🏃‍♂️💐

Inside, their son Chris was busy getting the electrics sorted ⚡🔧, Barry was lending a great hand 🔨, and the lads were working away getting the space ready—even setting up a table and chairs for the kids to sit down! 🪑👧👦 Once they finished inside, the lads headed out to mount a timber plank over the garland so Caitriona could add even more flowers across the top. 🪵🌺
The purple front completely lifts the whole street! 🏢💜 If you fancy having a look around and seeing how it's shaping up, feel free to call in tomorrow between 12pm and 4pm! ☕🧺✨

A big thanks to Caitriona, Greg, Chris, Barry, and the lads! 💜🌸🙌🎉🧺✨

21/08/2026

I had the pleasure of meeting the troupe at Circus Da Silva under the big top 🎪🌟✨

I called in to Circus Da Silva this evening just before the doors opened to the public in Macroom 🎪✨. It was wonderful being able to catch up behind the scenes, meet each person individually, and get a frame of them ready in their full stage gear 🎭👗. The detail in the costumes—from the sparkling sequins and gold embroidery to the headpieces—looked brilliant under the lights, and everyone was so welcoming and easy to chat with as they did their final checks around the ring 🌟✨.
They were kind enough to take a few minutes out of their pre-show routine to gather together under the big entrance arch with their dog for a group photo before the evening kicked off 🐶🎪. You could really feel the excitement building under the big top while the smoke machines and lights were warming up, long before the first crowds started rolling in 💨💡.
They are set up in Macroom tonight, tomorrow, and Sunday, and after that they are packing up the wagons and heading off to Cobh 🚚🎪. If you get the chance over the weekend, it is well worth calling in under the canvas to catch the show in person 🎟️🍿.

You can check out their page for tickets, showtimes, and all tour updates here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gnx2rYUhr/ 🎪📱✨
A huge thank you to the fantastic performers and crew at Circus Da Silva for being so welcoming and taking the time for a quick chat, and a special thank you to Pepe the dog for stealing the show and posing so brilliantly under the arch 🎪✨🐶👏🌟🎉

21/08/2026

Under maintenance at the Castle Hotel 🛠️🏊‍♂️

I called into the Castle Hotel the other day while David was clearing the last of the water down the drain 🚰, and he suggested popping back on Friday when the work was properly underway. I called in this morning and he let me capture the progress across the pool 🏊‍♂️.
The pool is set to get a full regrout, so seeing the space stripped back and the detail across the tiles up close is brilliant 🧼✨. With everything staying empty until Wednesday, David didn't mind me calling back again next week to take a few more photos to share before refilling gets underway 📸.

I want to say a big thank you to David for taking the time and letting me pop in to capture the progress! 🏨🤝🏊‍♂️

19/08/2026

Faces of Macroom – Ella Healy & Ella Dromey 🏬📸✨

I stepped inside Matt Murphy Pharmacy & Jewellery yesterday morning to sort out a quick query, and Ella was so pleasant and helpful behind the counter 💊✨.
After thanking her for taking the time to help me, I stepped back out onto the footpath to get on with a few bits around town 🚶‍♂️🏙️. A short while later, I found myself heading back through the shop doors, only to look over and spot Ella across at a different counter chatting away with the second Ella! 👀💬

We got chatting about another query this time, and both of them pointed me in the right direction straight away without hesitation 🧭👍. You could not meet two more helpful, patient, and good-humoured people—they are an absolute credit to the business and make everyone who walks through the door feel completely looked after 👏❤️.
When I asked if they wouldn't mind a quick photo, the first Ella asked what it was for 📸🤔. The moment I mentioned the project, they both smiled and said they have seen my work on Facebook 😃📱.

Just as I went to take the shot, the second Ella laughed and went, “Oh hold on, I have to fix my hair!” 😂💇‍♀️ It is those little unscripted moments that always bring a big laugh, showing how much fun and warmth they bring to their workday. I am just a window, the people are your view—and these two make that view brighter than ever 🪟✨🌟.
You can check out and follow the Matt Murphy Pharmacy & Jewellery page here: 👇🏬
https://www.facebook.com/share/17tSA3iRdV/

I want to give a huge thank you to both Ella Healy and Ella Dromey for all their help, the great chats, and for stepping into the frame! 🏬🚶‍♂️🌟📸🙌😊✨

Dan Cronin, West Cork

10/09/2026

08/09/2026

02/09/2026

28/08/2026

26/08/2026

23/08/2026

22/08/2026

21/08/2026

21/08/2026

19/08/2026

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