Saturday.
Ballinasloe Horse Fair, Ballinasloe, Co Galway
Photographer Donal Moloney writes:
2016 was just the second year I had been to the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. I only travel down for Saturday’s activities. The photographic draw of both characters and animals is magnetic.
Last year a couple of online papers slated the photographs and some even accused me of supporting animal cruelty. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Whether it’s a horse fair or a dilapidated building, I find both photographically fascinating and exciting. I record the event and allow the viewer to make up their own mind. I’m a commercial photographer but shoot such personal projects like this for my own pleasure and for no financial reward.
I also enjoy speaking to those who attend and listening to how they manage their daily lives within a culture so far removed from mine. I don’t necessarily agree with some of their traits but I respect them. One also has to remember that the traveller community only represent a part of this huge community. Most punters are genuine equine lovers both buying and selling.
One farmer from Roscommon (who I also met last year) stood in the green for 5 days with 3 horses and sold nothing. He said that sales were way down this year and blamed it on Brexit and the “pound sterling”. It’s a hard old life but they’ll all be back again next year.
Love these photos.
Brilliant photographs.
those kids are wayyyy too big to be racing those ponies – it’d be very hard on their spines.
great photos though
Vile cruelty.
Some smahing photos there. Well done.
Well I hope they won’t, Donal. Your photographs are excellent but, sadly, point up how outmoded and vaguely barbaric this ‘Fair’ is.
Excellent photos!
Though I was surprised to see Joey Essex in Photo number 10
No repeal jumpers to be seen.
It’s the real Ireland, Peter, not the echo chamber of radical poses that values good intentions over action.
laughing so hard at that v
When the only criticism levied at you is the actions of your subject you must be doing something right.
Superb photography.
Well done Donal.
Thankyou
Went to it once and it was raw. Not unlike a rough Asian city with an aversion to women and respectability. The drunken heckling and desperate haggling made sure I never went back.
Just look at the photos, SHoop.
Stick your ‘rough Asian city’ back up your aversion.
– It’s not about you.
Look at the photos.
And shut up.
PS.
– Is that you in the second picture?