Forty Footers

Barry Delaney

“The magic of this collection is that it meets the viewer at their own level. The pictures can be appreciated simply as a celebration of Life as something to be enjoyed opportunistically – a lesson that the sunbathers of cold, grey Dublin know only too well. But they are also one-frame stories, brimming with narrative and suggestion.”

From the introduction by Rónán Hession

“The sea water heals me spiritually, physically, and mentally – every day, however cold, I swim – sometimes alone, sometimes with a friend, sometimes with the crew. Nearly always, I emerge recharged, feeling alive and more able for my day ahead – a natural medication.”

From the preface by Barry Delaney

Forty Footers features thirty photographs of Dubliners enjoying the sea at Sandycove’s famous bathing spot. Delaney’s colourful images capture the variety and vibrancy of the swimmers, sunbathers and onlookers drawn to this rocky promontory. An introduction by Rónán Hession and an accompanying poem by John O’Donnell give the collection an added depth.

BARRY DELANEY

Inspired by the colour, energy and DIY attitude of punk, Barry fled the grey Dublin of the early 1980s, to travel the world and fell in love with documentary photography. Twenty years ago he began documenting life in inner city Dublin. This became Stars and Souls of the Liffey which he exhibited at the GPO in 2019 along with the now sold out Hi Tone book. He returned to America for the 2016 election and produced his second Hi Tone book on life in Modern America – Americans Anonymous, with poems by John O’Donnell.

In 2022 his picture ‘Forty Footer’ was shortlisted for the Zurich portrait prize at the National Gallery.

He is a daily swimmer at the 40 Foot.

Author: Barry Delaney
Foreword: Rónán Hession
Poem: John O’Donnell
ISBN: 978-1-8380385-9-5
Format: Hardback, 263 x 246mm, landscape, 170gsm paper
Extent: 52 pages
Edition: 300 copies
Weight: 0.65kg
Published: May 2024
Design: Niall McCormack

Supported by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council