Death of popular Drogheda photographer, Jimmy Weldon

The sad news is reaching us today of the death of Drogheda-based photographer, Jimmy Weldon.

Jimmy contributed many photographs to this newspaper, the most recent being the St Vincent's Ardcath GFC dinner dance in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan, in February.

He was known for his 'Jimmy's People' series of photographs and published a number of books, including 'Jimmy’s Times as a Photographer' last November.

In the 30 years plus since Jimmy started taking photographs in and around his hometown of Drogheda there can’t be many people in the area that he didn't photograph at one stage or another in their lives.

From christenings and first holy communions, first days at school, weddings and sometimes funerals, Jimmy covered them all.

For decades he supplied the local papers with countless news and social photos, as well as corporate commissions.

Apart from his seemingly boundless energy, Jimmy had another weapon in his arsenal - he genuinely loved his job. He enjoyed nothing more than chatting with and capturing images of people.

As well as local Drogheda invividuals and characters, he also captured Lester Piggott, Kellie Harrington, Prince Albert of Monaco, John Hume, Seamus Mallon, Ian Paisley, Bertie Ahern, Shane Horgan, Gary Kelly and a host of other well-known people from the international scene.

He died following a sudden illness. Sympathy is extended to his wife, Catriona, and family.