Members of western tribe captured by snapper

Actress Kate O'Toole with her dog at sunset, just metres from her home in Galway.

By John Spain Books Editor

Monday November 21 2011

A NEW photographic book exploring the extraordinary variety of people living in the City of the Tribes goes on sale today.

Beautifully illustrated with photographs of Galway people, 'Tribe -- A Portrait of Galway' proves that the resident population is as varied as ever.

Famous Galwegians, such as the actress Kate O'Toole, musicians The Saw Doctors and Druid Theatre director Garry Hynes, are blended with less well-known characters -- street musicians, artists, stall holders, performers and other colourful individuals.

And the man who has captured the vibrant atmosphere of the capital of the west is a Dubliner -- photographer Reg Gordon.

Actress Kate O'Toole was photographed with her dog, Toulouse, against the background of a stunning western sunset, just feet from the house where she lives. "There is an energy and joie de vivre that radiates off her," the book says. "She lives beside the sea in Connemara and swims every morning. Toulouse is named after the painter because he has short legs and (according to Ms O'Toole) is impossibly randy."

Reg Gordon had a particular reason for wanting to do the book. "Too many people are focusing on those who are leaving Ireland. I wanted to focus on those staying."

Distinctive

The book portrays these individuals through distinctive portraits and extended captions which give an insight into each subject.

An example of an outsider now very much at home in Galway is the stylish individual on the cover of the book. Known as 'Dan The Donut Man', because he runs a popular donut stall at the Galway market, Dan Rosen grew up in New York in the 1970s but has been here for some time. Apart from his donuts, he makes all his own clothes.

The photographer will launch his book and a month-long exhibition on Friday in Atlanta House in Galway. It is priced €44.95.