An incredible photo from Irish photographer Stephen McCarthy of Sportsfile gets some deserved recognition.
An image taken during a Lions game last summer by Irish photographer Stephen McCarthy is up for one of the most prestigious awards in the world of photojournalism.
Stephen works for Sportsfile, Ireland’s leading sports photography agency, and was sent to cover the Lions’ clash with the Maori All Blacks on 17 June 2017 at Rotorua International Stadium.
During a scrum, he took this shot, which we’re absolutely certain will take the top prize when the World Press Photo Foundation hosts their awards on 12 April 2018 in Amsterdam.
This image – guaranteed at least third place in the Sports Photo of the Year category as it is one of three nominated – is a thing of beauty.
Speaking to JOE after his nomination, Stephen said: “It’s a dream come true.
“I’m over ten years working as a staff photographer as Sportsfile and every year I look forward to the day the World Press Photo Awards are announced. I’ve always dreamt about winning such a prestigious award but never thought it would be possible.
“I’m honoured to be associated with the World Press Photo awards and to be joining an illustrious list of previous winners, including three previous Sportsfile recipients.”
A huge honour to have been nominated for Sports Photo of the Year at the @WorldPressPhoto Awards pic.twitter.com/KnAHMda0La
— Stephen McCarthy (@sportsfilesteve) February 14, 2018