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Renowned photojournalist Colin Keegan, who spent 30 years documenting Irish news and politics, died in a motorcycle accident in Co Meath on Saturday. Fellow photographers and colleagues paid tribute to his skill and professionalism, describing his death as a major loss to the industry.
A motorcyclist who died following a crash in Co Meath on Saturday has been named as award-winning press photographer Colin Keegan. The incident, which involved a motorcycle and a car, occurred on the R156 at Harlockstown, Co Meath, at 12.15pm on Saturday.
Award-winning photographer remembered
Colin Keegan, who was in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was subsequently removed to Navan Mortuary. The driver of the car, a woman in her 70s, was uninjured. Colin Keegan worked for Collins photo agency for three decades, and won a number of awards through the Press Photographers' Association of Ireland for his work capturing news, politics and entertainment across Ireland.
His photographs were published widely across Irish media, including by The Irish Times. Charlie Collins, proprietor of the agency, paid tribute to his colleague, describing his death as an enormous loss.
"He worked with us for 30 years. He was one of the best news photographers in the country. He was an enthusiastic motorcyclist. He was just out on a leisurely ride," he said.
"He was such a total gentleman, that's all there is to say. " Niall Carson, press photographer with PA Ireland, described Colin Keegan as a "complete professional" with whom he had a "friendly rivalry". "Colin was my main competitor but he was very friendly about it. He would often text you if you got a better picture to congratulate you on it," he said.
Tributes to a veteran news photographer
"He was a tough guy. I would trust him to have my back in very dangerous or tough situations.
" Carson singled out Colin Keegan's 2005 photograph of then-minister for defence Willie O'Dea holding a gun - an image that sparked significant controversy at the time. "I knew his photographs before I knew him. He was one of the best photographers for the country and he won many awards in the difficult categories. He was a devoted father as well," he added.
Photojournalist and friend Gary Ashe said the photography community is "heartbroken to hear of his passing".
"Colin was, in my opinion, the best news photographer in the country . . . few would argue. He was a great colleague and an absolute professional at his trade.
His many press photo awards are testament to his skills in photojournalism," he said.
"On a personal level, I consider Colin a great friend and someone I shared a great, cheeky sense of humour . I have known Colin for over 26 years and he will be sorely missed, not only by myself, but his loving family and the greater press photographer community.
Mourning and crash investigation
" Laura Hutton, deputy head of visual media at The Irish Times, said colleagues rang each other in disbelief at the news of his death. "A motorcycle accident in Meath, coming just over a year after the death of Colin's good friend, photographer Mick O'Neill , in a similar motorcycle accident," she said. "His loss is devastating, my thoughts are with his family, his two children especially.
He was one of the best hard-news photographers in the country, and his hunger and talent never waned.
" She added: "He was quick, he was sharp and he always got the shot. He will be sorely missed in photography circles, as well as the wider news industry, which will be poorer for his loss.
" The scene of the crash was examined by Garda forensic collision investigators and an incident room has been established at Ashbourne Garda station, Co Meath. A senior investigating officer has been appointed. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash, particularly anyone in the area between 12pm and 12.30pm on Saturday, or anyone with dashcam footage, to come forward.
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