SNIPPET: Francis LOUGHLIN, a second generation Irish born in Lancashire, England, in 1946, is a professional photographer whose work has achieved many accolades over 30 years. It is Ireland, however, and Connemara in particular, that is the focus of some of his most powerful and exciting images. Several of his colorful photographs are featured in the Jan-Feb 2004 issue of Dublin's "Ireland of the Welcomes" magazine. Connemara on the west coast of Ireland in County Galway is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It boasts a breathtaking coastline with white sandy beaches that contrast against an imposing backdrop of mountain ranges. For those who are only recent visitors to Connemara it might be difficult to imagine that it is only in the last decade or so that the west coast of Ireland has become easily accessible. LOUGHLIN's first impression of visiting Connemara some years ago was when journeying past Galway City, there was a change in the landscape and the roads. "The roads suddenly narrowed, became more rugged and strangely quiet, whilst the landscape was more dramatic and wild. I began to notice that passers-by were waving as if they knew me and a distinct, welcoming aroma of turf hung in the area." This was his first taste of Connemara life, and the Loughlin family returned sometime later to buy a homey cottage three miles from the tiny fishing village of Cleggan. Many of the fishermen in Connemara still depend on the currach, a traditional wooden fishing boat, to navigate their way around the rocky coastline. There are a number of islands dotted off the coast of Connemara. Many were once populated but now, with the exception of Inishbofin, one of the larger islands, there are only a few people remaining on them. Researchers interested in this part of Ireland should enjoy LOUGHLIN's photographs in the magazine which include: Sunset over Friar Island off Aughrusmore, Connemara; an Inishbofin cottage; Paddy TIERNEY who lived on Inishbofin all his life and is remembered as a great local character standing amongst colorful flowers in his red plaid shirt; the late Mary COOHILL and her dog, who lived in Omey Island with her husband Mickey; a magnificent Connemara pony standing out in the fading light as dusk falls at Aughrusmore; James BURKE at home in Inishbofin, his brightly painted mantelpiece holds family photographs and a picture of the Sacred Heart; Eddie O'TOOLE walking on the uninhabited High Island, Connemara with a fuzzy young seabird watching him closely from a field of flowers; a close-up panoramic view of the annual horse race on Omey Strand; photos of Mickey COOHILL, Omey Island, who was a farmer and fisherman whose distinctive hand-made lobster pots are remembered by many; Eddie O'TOOLE, again, setting lobster pots from his curragh with the sun glinting on the water; the beach and village at Inishbofin; Mr. Festy LACEY, resting from digging in the fields; a donkey stallion; the beach and village at Inishbofin. Island life breeds strong, interesting characters, and although the older generation is slowly fading away, a new one is continuing its forefathers' traditions that include cutting the turf, fishing and playing traditional music. Clifden is known as the capital of Connemara. Each August the Connemara Pony Show draws crowds of onlookers. Francis LOUGHLIN's images beautifully capture this peaceful part of Ireland and make his work very intimate, very special indeed.