Offaly duo selected for Bean Feasa portrait series

Two Offaly women are among the stories of thirteen women being featured in national portrait series Bean Feasa.

Acclaimed nature photographer Tina Claffey and broadcaster Aisling O’Rourke have been selected as part of the series co-created by award-winning photographer Evanna Devine, Tóchar Midlands Wetland Restoration and Photo Museum Ireland.

Their work demonstrates how photography, broadcasting and clear communication can help people understand and engage with nature restoration.

A renowned nature photographer and author, Tina has spent years documenting Ireland’s wetlands, peatlands and biodiversity.

Through her striking imagery, she has helped people develop a deeper appreciation of native habitats and the importance of protecting them.

Speaking about her nomination Tina said: “I am truly honoured and humbled to be nominated for this wonderful Bean Feasa project. I don’t come from an ecology or conservation background. I am merely an observer.

"Over time, I have found that the focus of my work is to create awareness of the tiny treasures of the natural world and instill a sense of awe and love for wondrous nature that we still have. To encourage the viewer to slow down to nature’s pace, and truly ‘see’.”

Tina is the author of 'Tapestry of Light-Ireland's bogs & wetlands as never seen before' released in October 2017, and ‘Portal-Otherworldly Wonders of Ireland’s bogs, wetlands and eskers’ released in May 2022.

Tina has exhibited around the world and throughout Ireland and has been honoured with awards from prestigious world photography competitions and has presented her work on many worldwide online platforms including the Wildlife Habitat Council US Online Conference and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) to promote the importance of the Irish bog wilderness.

Her photography work has been featured on the cover and within the Government of Ireland's Climate Action Plan for 2024 and 2025.

Aisling O’Rourke is a communications and media coach and broadcaster. Her work focuses on making complex environmental and sustainability issues accessible, relevant and capable of inspiring action.

She is the presenter and producer of Let’s Go Green on Midlands 103, a weekly environmental programme exploring climate action, biodiversity, sustainability and community initiatives.

Through both her coaching and broadcasting, Aisling brings together expert, community and business voices to support clearer conversations around environmental change.

Speaking about her selection, Aisling said: “I’m looking forward to learning from an inspiring group of women who are already making a real difference for nature, and to exploring how clear, inclusive communication can help more people connect with biodiversity, support restoration and create lasting environmental change”

Aisling’s selection for Bean Feasa recognises the critical role journalism and storytelling play in supporting nature restoration through public participation.

The Bean Feasa exhibition forms part of the wider work of Tóchar Midlands Wetland Restoration, one of Ireland’s largest nature restoration initiatives. The project reflects Tóchar’s commitment to ensuring that nature restoration is recognised not only as an environmental challenge but also, as a social movement driven by people working within their communities.

Tóchar Midlands Wetland Restoration is one of the largest restoration projects currently underway. It is a three-year, €12 million wetlands restoration project co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme.

The project is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. To find out more visit: https://www.tocharwetlands.ie/.

The commissioned portraits will form part of a public exhibition and publication launching in November 2026 before touring nationally.