Tipperary man to raise funds for local cancer support service with nature photography exhibition

In his exhibition James Kiely’s photographs are all about nature.

Templetuohy native James Kiely, who now resides in Templemore, began taking photos eighteen years ago.

James, who works as a Library Attendant in Thurles Library turned to photography during a bout of depression brought on after witnessing a fatal work accident.

Photography gave James some mental solitude, and through this self-expression and mindfulness, James found his perspective shifting and his depression lifting.

James held his first photographic exhibition in 2007 and raised €3,300 for The First Hospital of the Assumption in Templemore Library. He continued taking photos as a hobby but hadn’t really considered another exhibition.

Following a chance meeting while out walking in 2020, James met a lady who planted the seed to run another exhibition , this time for Suir Haven Cancer Support Centre.

From there this idea grew, and on Tuesday, November 7, this will come full circle with the opening of this new exhibition.
Titled, It’s In Our Nature, this exhibit contains 52 mounted and framed photographs.

Each photograph depicts various scenes of nature, from coastal scenes, animals in their habitats to mountain terrain.

Tipperary Hurler Noel McGrath will be there on launch night, Tuesday, November 7, with a signed Tipperary Jersey, which is currently being raffled off.

James hopes to raise some much-needed finds for Suir Haven.

Suir Haven, offers emotional support, practical help and information and education to anyone with a cancer diagnosis, their Carers or family members.

They offer counselling, reflexology, acupuncture, massage, yoga, arts and crafts and many courses all free of charge.

They are funded by North Tipperary Hospice, which relies completely on fundraising and voluntary contributions.

Library Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 5pm Saturday: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.