Birr native pilots stunning photo book for St Vincent de Paul

A Birr man who has a long history of supporting the Society of St Vincent de Paul is organising the publication of Irish Air Spectacular, a collection of stunning aviation photographs, in aid of the charity.

Over the last 20 years, Sé Pardy and his team have raised more than €200,000 through various initiatives for St Vincent de Paul, and are committed to continuing to help "what is a great cause".

Sé said: "Buying a copy of Irish Air Spectacular is a wonderful way to help those who need support during these particularly challenging times.

"I would encourage everyone in a position to do so to treat themselves, a loved one or a colleague to a copy of what is a beautiful publication that we are very proud of."

A unique collection of stunning photographs of aircraft in flight, against the backdrop of Ireland’s spectacular landscape, has been compiled into a beautiful hardback book, available to purchase online now.

Irish Air Spectacular features 160 pages of photography in an elegant, coffee table style collection. Unique views from the cockpit, as well as rare air-to-air photographs of aircraft in flight, are included in this special production.

Fans of aviation, great photography, and Ireland’s beautiful scenery will all enjoy what promises to be a treasured Christmas gift – and all profits from the sale of the book will go to St Vincent de Paul.

The book is produced and published in Ireland by Ferbane publisher Brosna Press.

Spanning 15 years, the photographs capture key moments in Irish life through an aviation lens – the visit of President Obama and First Lady Michelle in 2011, Flightfest over Dublin in 2013, All-Ireland football final 2013, the National Ploughing Championships in 2014, flypast during U2’s Joshua Tree concert at Croke Park in 2017, the award-winning Bray Air Display and the first delivery of PPE equipment to Ireland during this year’s Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the best aerobatic display teams in the world – the Patrouille Suisse, the Red Arrows, and Frecce Tricolori – are featured, as well as dramatic manoeuvres by the AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, Team Raven and the Royal Jordanian Falcons.

Treasured aircraft of the past – a Catalina Flying Boat, De Havilland, Boeing Stearman, and Aer Lingus Douglas DC-3 Dakota – feature alongside the new Aer Lingus livery unveiled in 2019 and the new CityJet Superjet launched in 2016.

Spectacular aerobatic manoeuvres by some of the UK and Ireland’s most talented pilots – Eddie Goggins, Richard Goodwin, and Steve Jones as well as previous Air Series World Champion Paul Bonhomme – are captured by Frank Grealish, and many other talented photographers. The skill and expertise of the Irish Coast Guard, Irish Air Corps, and Irish Parachute Club are also on display.

Joseph O’Connor’s poem, ‘First flight of the Iolar’ sets the scene at the beginning of the book and in the foreword, Eamonn Brennan, director general, Eurocontrol, and former CEO, Irish Aviation Authority, captures the essence of Irish Air Spectacular, describing it as a "celebration of flight."

Sé Pardy, who is originally from Birr and is organising the publication, said: "Buying a copy of Irish Air Spectacular is a wonderful way to help those who need support during these particularly challenging times.

"I would encourage everyone in a position to do so to treat themselves, a loved one or a colleague to a copy of what is a beautiful publication that we are very proud of.

"Over the last 20 years, we have raised more than €200,000 through various initiatives for St Vincent de Paul, and we hope that this special book will add to that and raise significant funds for what is a great cause."

Rose McGowan, national president, Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP), said: "This inspiring photography book will provide a magnificent Christmas present, and will raise funds for SVP. We always need donations to continue to provide support to the many thousands of individuals and families who seek our help throughout the year.

"The lead-up to Christmas is a difficult time for many families and a time when our support is in great demand. This year our annual appeal will be one of the most crucial in years due to the Covid-19 restrictions which have resulted in some of our normal funding streams being cut off.

"Our sincere thanks to Sé Pardy, Brosna Press the many talented photographers who contributed their work to the book, and everyone else involved in the production of Irish Air Spectacular."

Renowned Irish coastal landscapes such as Croagh Patrick; the Poolbeg stacks in Dublin Bay; the Cliffs of Moher and Dún Aonghasa, Inis Mór and Brittas Bay and Bray Head are showcased in the book. Inland, Dromoland Castle, County Clare; Birr Castle, County Offaly and Killeen Castle, County Meath provide distinguished backdrops, while iconic Dublin sights, Croke Park, the Aviva Stadium, Trinity College and Dublin Port also feature.

• Irish Air Spectacular is available to purchase from www.irishairspectacular.ie The book costs €35 plus postage. Last order in time for delivery pre-Christmas is December 17. The online shop offers a secure one-tap solution.

A 2021 Irish Air Spectacular calendar featuring some of the photographs from the book is also available to purchase for €15 from the website (plus postage) with a minimum 20 percent contribution going to the St Vincent de Paul.

• For more information, to watch a video about Irish Air Spectacular or to purchase a copy visit www.irishairspectacular.ie Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/irishairspec Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irishairspectacular and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irishairspectacular/