Linking love of music and images

Torn between two loves? Not Christy McNamara, a Co Clare man, who has managed to combine a passion for pictures and accordion…

Torn between two loves? Not Christy McNamara, a Co Clare man, who has managed to combine a passion for pictures and accordion music. The squeeze box and camera bag have accompanied him everywhere - to wakes, weddings, pubs and parties.

Most musicians like to wet their whistle during a break. Not so Christy, who uses the valuable time to focus his lens. His photographic work is internationally known, and he has fulfilled commissions for clients such as Aer Lingus and Guinness.

Now an exhibition, which continues until the end of the month in Spiddal Library, Co Galway, gives the public the opportunity to view his work, and the sort of intimacy with his subjects that makes it so distinctive. The Living Note: The Heartbeat of Irish Music is intended to capture the spirit of same, and its place in the hearts and minds of Irish people.