THE NATIONAL LIBRARY of Ireland has acquired an archive of images from the press photographers Ireland that give a moving insight into what life was like during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The images captured by photojournalists up and down the country show health workers in PPE, empty bars, and family members communicating through glass.

Though they are from just 2021-22, the pictures are a stark and moving reminder of a “difficult time” in Ireland’s history, that can at times seem already distant in memory.

The work of more than 70 press photographer’s is showcased in the collection of almost 200 images.

As well as deserted streets and socially distanced reunions, the photos show key photographs of officials including Simon Harris, the now-Taoiseach who was the Minister for Health, and the former Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Houlihan.

The Director of the National Library Audrey Whitty said that the pandemic was a hard time, and that the ‘Live under Covid-19′ archive is a “valuable” historical record of that period.

The President of Press Photographers Ireland, David Branigan said: “It is said that journalism is the first draft of history, and press photography has an important place in documenting our nation’s story. We are dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary work of our members and promoting the role of the press photographer, which has provided this unique view of Ireland during the pandemic.”

He said that the press photographers involved were delighted to donate their work so it could inform generations to come.

The archive will be available to view after it is catalogued later this year.

A preview of the images:

Finn MacDonnell chats with Seamus O Grifín as he enjoys his first pint of in Dick Mack's pub in Dingle after the re-opening of 'wet pubs' Laura Hutton / PPAI Laura Hutton / PPAI / PPAI

Fr Joe O'Brien hands out holy communion from behind a perspex boxed screen Domnick Walsh / PPAI Domnick Walsh / PPAI / PPAI

Brothers Ben and Aaron cut each other's hair during the lockdown due to Covid-19 restrictions Mark Condren / PPAI Mark Condren / PPAI / PPAI

Visitors to the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham on the front lawn of the Irish Museum of Modern Art, within socially distant painted circles Alan Betson / PPAI Alan Betson / PPAI / PPAI

Sean Foley a client at Oaklodge Nursing Home in Cloyne, Co. Cork is visited by his wife Betty during Lockdown Michael MacSweeney / PPAI Michael MacSweeney / PPAI / PPAI

Elena (then 7) and Lucy Tintori (then 5) are pictured visiting their grandmother Sheela behind a window during Covid-19 restrictions Tom Honan / PPAI Tom Honan / PPAI / PPAI

A candlelit procession during the Skibbereen Arts Festival which comemmorated everyone who passed away locally during the pandemic Denis Minihane / PPAI Denis Minihane / PPAI / PPAI

Sisters Emily, Kate and Meabh Lyons got to meet Santa Claus behind a perspex screen at the Mills, Balie Mhúirne, Cork Dan Linehan / PPAI Dan Linehan / PPAI / PPAI