Celebrating the legacy of Youghal’s beloved photographer Bob Rock with a selection of prints and digital slideshows, curator Kieran McCarthy has presented a wonderful exhibition of both landscape and personal photos, which will touch the hearts of many. Hosted in Room 24 at Cumann na Daoine, the exhibition is open daily from 12 – 4pm, with slideshows running constantly.
The Bob Rock Archive Photography Exhibition was launched during Heritage Week, with a full-screen documentary screening, which was attended by many including Bob’s family and friends.
In her official opening of the event, Mayor of Cork County, Cllr. Mary Linehan-Foley, warmly welcomed everyone to the launch, celebrating over 35 years of Bob Rock’s dedication to capturing the life and spirit of Youghal and its community through photography. She emphasised that Bob’s work goes beyond recording events – his images capture emotions, stories, and heritage that words alone cannot convey. The archive is a living record reflecting the character and resilience of the area’s people and places.
She expressed gratitude to the curators, organisers, volunteers, and Cumann na Daoine for making the exhibition possible, highlighting Cork County Council’s support as part of its commitment to preserving cultural heritage and nurturing local arts. The exhibition, part of Cork Heritage Week, will run until Culture Night and includes a slideshow alongside the photo display. The Mayor also noted that curator Kieran McCarthy would speak later to share reflections on Bob’s contribution to heritage and culture. She closed by officially opening the exhibition with hopes it would inspire and remind visitors of the power of photography to tell stories that last a lifetime.
Cumann na Daoine is delighted to be able to host this exhibition, giving as it does an opportunity for both local people and newcomers an opportunity to experience the past and share in the sense of family celebration shown powerfully in the documentary slideshow created by Kieran McCarthy, with narration from Bob’s family members and friends. It also reflects Cumann na Daoine’s intention to honour and reflect both the history of Youghal and the future potential of the town and its people.
Footfall to this exhibition has been constant, and it is a pleasure to be able to host it until its culmination on Culture Night, 19th September, when it will be open until 8pm. The Bob Rock exhibition would not have been possible without the support of Cork County Council and the Heritage Council under the County Heritage Plan Funding 2025, along with Youghal Credit Union and the meaningful support of the Rock family.
Bob’s widow and daughters have decided to put the exhibition prints on sale, with all money raised going to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. A sale sheet is available in the exhibition room if you should choose to commit to a purchase.
Launch pictures below by Michael Hussey.
Lisa Cattell and Paul McCarthy
Tara O’Connell and her brother Mick
Jason and Niamh Brown with Kay and Tom Donnelly
Mayor of County Cork, Councillor Mary Linehan Foley with the curator of the exhibition Kieran McCarthy
Mayor of County Cork, Councillor Mary Linehan Foley, Hayley Fox-Roberts, Local Community Development Worker at Cumann na Daoine, Catherine Street, Youghal, and filmmaker Kieran McCarthy from Youghal, Co. Cork, curator of the successful Bob Rock Photo Exhibition, pictured at the launch event celebrating local creativity and community spirit.
Debbie Laatz, Youghal Credit Union (Sponsors) and Christine Rock
The McCarthy Family; Kieran, Suzanne, Evan and Neil and grandchild Bradley
Sinead McCarthy, Eileen Donoghue and Brendan McCarthy
Filmmaker and archivist Kieran McCarthy, with his sisters Valerie McCarthy and Eva Collins
Fiona Coyne, Terri McCarthy, Kieran McCarthy, Ger McCarthy & daughter Aoibh McCarthy
Mick O’Connell with the curator of the exhibition, Kieran McCarthy
Mayor of Cork County, Councillor Mary Linehan Foley, Hayley Fox-Roberts, Local Community Development Worker at Cumann na Daoine, Catherine Street, Youghal, pictured at the launch event celebrating local heritage and community history.
Julie Rock admiring her father’s work on display at the exhibition
Kieran McCarthy and Julie Rock
Kieran McCarthy with Mary McGrath, photographer with Love Youghal Facebook Group
Mayor of Cork County, Councillor Mary Linehan Foley, with Mrs Teresa Rock, Julie Rock and friend.