There is an abundance of shrines to the Virgin Mary dotted around West Cork

Some small villages such as Rossmore are almost overwhelmed by the scale of the grotto placed at its centre.

I am fascinated by the range of statues and I have yet to come across two the same.

When I am taking a portrait of a statue of the Virgin Mary, I approach it with as much deference and respect as I would show an elderly and much respected member of the community.