Henry Wills, renowned Western People photographer, has died
Ballina native Henry Wills was one of the pre-eminent press photographers of his generation.
It is with deep sadness that the announces the death of our much-loved colleague and friend Henry Wills.
Henry passed away on Thursday evening at the Bon Secours Hospital in Galway after a brief illness. He was aged 71.
One of the pre-eminent press photographers of his generation, Ballina native Henry commenced his career with the in November 1972 and quickly established himself as someone with an instinctive eye for a great image. Over the next four decades, Henry's iconic photographs regularly adorned the front pages of the and he became a household name all over Mayo and beyond. Whether it was the Papal visit in 1979, the building of Knock Airport in the early 1980s, the inauguration of Ballina native Mary Robinson as President of Ireland in 1990, or the election of Castlebar man Enda Kenny as Taoiseach in 2011, Henry was there with his camera to record these milestones in our county's history. His distinctive photographs, such as Willie Joe soaring into the Croke Park skies in 1985 or Monsignor Horan standing proudly on his new runway later that year, captured the public imagination and are still fondly remembered.
However, it was Henry's unique ability to create timeless images from ordinary, everyday events that made him so respected amongst his peers, and he won numerous accolades in national competitions for the quality of his work.
A former president of the Press Photographers' Association of Ireland (PPAI), Henry was known and loved by photographers all over the country and was instrumental in organising the annual PPAI national awards for over 30 years. Many of his pictures were featured in the annual PPAI exhibition, which he loved to bring to Ballina each summer for Festival Week.
Indeed, Henry was one of the main people behind the revival of the Ballina Salmon Festival in the early 1990s and was involved in many other community initiatives over the years. A talented pianist and actor, he was a wonderful entertainer and regularly featured on stages in Ballina. He was also instrumental in the development of the Ballina Braves basketball club in the 1970s and enjoyed national success with the club on the court before taking on various officer roles in the glory days of the 1980s and 1990s.
Last November, Henry published a collection of his stunning photographs, entitled , and its launch in Mount Falcon House Hotel was an unforgettable occasion as friends, family and former work colleagues gathered to pay tribute to a man who was - in the words of former President Robinson - a "master of his craft".
In a tribute following Henry's death, editor James Laffey said the Ballina native had made an enormous and unrivalled contribution to the newspaper during a distinguished career.
"Henry's legacy is his work and what a body of work he has left behind for future generations to enjoy. We were incredibly fortunate in Mayo to have someone of Henry's unique talents to capture our county's history for the past half-century, and while we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure for generations to come."
Mr Laffey added:
"The could not have asked for a finer ambassador than Henry Wills. He epitomised everything that is good about regional journalism and it was a privilege to have worked alongside him and enjoyed his company. Apart from being brilliant at his job, Henry brought so much joy, fun and laughter into our lives with his wit, story-telling and effervescent personality. He was a larger-than-life character who was so warm-hearted and good-natured, and he will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
"On behalf of everyone in the , I extend our deepest sympathies to Henry's twin sister Mary Bourke and her husband Michael, his nephew Keith, niece Elaine, extended family and many, many friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis."
Predeceased by his parents Beatrice (Bridget) and Harry, Henry is sadly missed by his loving twin sister Mary Bourke (née Wills) and her husband Michael (Castlebar), his niece Elaine Bourke (Dubai), his nephew Keith Bourke and his wife Siobhan (Castlebar), his wide circle of wonderful friends, godchildren, and extended family.
Reposing at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Emmet Street, Ballina (Eircode F26 V274) on Monday evening, January 8th, from 5pm with removal at 7pm to St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina.
Requiem Mass on Tuesday morning, January 9th, at 11:30am with funeral proceeding to Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
