DockDogs

Linda Torso of Ohio, dog Ziva, flies through the air as she competes in the DockDogs Show at the Noble J. Dick Aquatorium in Monongahela. DockDogs is an organization for competitive dog jumping. Photo/Illustration

Riding Topaz

Gaylene Eckleberry of Waynesburg, saddles up her horse Topaz, before a riding lesson at Coventry Equestrian Center in Chartiers Township.

In It To Win It

Bishop Canevin's Leah Narkevic, passes the baton to her teammate in the 3200 relay. They took first place in the event at Chartiers-Houston Track Invitational

Burgettstown's Luke Revay ,clears 5-10 in the high jump to take 2nd place at Chartiers-Houston Track Invitational

Winning Run

California's Casey Zajicek celebrates as he runs home to score the game-winning run against Bentworth.

Pitch Perfect

Belle Vernon pitcher Bailey Parshall throws Thursday against Trinity

Hammering It Out

Blacksmith Bob Elliott heats metal to 1,400 to 1,600 degrees before shaping it during a demonstration for Pittsburgh Area Artist Blacksmiths Association held in Canonsburg

Bob Elliott of West Virginia , does a blacksmith demonstration for Pittsburgh Area Artist Blacksmiths Association, held in Canonsburg

Spring Fly Fishing

Conrad Rossetti of Eighty Four casting a line in Meadow Run stream during a fly fishing class with Venture Outdoors at Ohiopyle.

Ron Oda of McMurry holds a Brook Trout that he caugh fly fishing in Meadow Run stream at Ohiopyle

Through Irish Eyes

The Dingle Peninsula, in County Kerry goes beyond the westernmost point of Ireland, and is a place of surreal beauty with steep sea-cliffs, sandy beaches.

Ireland, though small geographically, has produced many notable and influential people who have shared their talents and achievements with the world. Writers Samuel Beckett, James Joyce and, more recently, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt, have left us with words and images that continue to affect us all. International peace negotiator Mary Montague and musician and humanitarian Bono, of U2 fame, show Ireland’s diversity, as do boxing champions Barry McGuigan and Wayne McCullough.

A women walks her dog along the harbour in the town of Dungarvan located at the heart of County Waterford, Ireland.

As impressive as the list might be, the most important people to me are my ancestors, the Quigleys and Maxwells, who were among the 250,000 who immigrated to America to escape devastating poverty brought on by the potato famine that affected Ireland from 1845 to 1852. My grandfather, John S. Quigley, was very proud of his Irish heritage. I will never forget hearing him sing old Irish folk songs while on our walks to the post office. He taught me to keep my eyes on the ground as not to miss the chance to find a four-leaf clover. He shared stories with my brother, sister and I about the sacrifices his parents had made to give the family a better life. I will always cherish those memories and the lessons learned, especially as we gathered around the dinner table to share a pot of Irish stew.

The Buggy Boys playing in the friendliest watering hole in Dublin, The Temple Bar Pub.The Temple Bar district is reputed to be Dublin's "bohemian quarter" - it certainly is full of entertainment, art and culinary action.

In life, we all face difficult challenges. I was recovering from a major health crisis when one of my dearest friends suggested that I needed to celebrate my turn around by taking a trip. When asked where I would like to go, I answered without hesitation: Ireland.

It wasn’t long before we set out on an 11-day adventure covering 13 cities and 1100 miles in the hope of connecting with my family home land.

In Ireland and Great Britain, vehicles drive on the opposite side of the road than in the U.S and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. I certainly had a time adjusting to that as I sat on the passenger side trying to slow the car by pushing my foot on the floorboard as we rolled along twisted, windy side roads at what seemed like breakneck speed. However, from what I remember, the view was spectacular. I was able to catch my breath when we abruptly stopped to allow a herd of sheep to cross the road.

A sheep looks out of an opening in a stone wall near the city of Galway in Ireland.

Although I have long been a vegetarian, I was knocked off my game with the food, especially a breakfast of homemade bread, eggs, mushrooms, beans, fried potatoes, tomatoes and ham. It was so good, I found myself getting up early just to sit at our bed and breakfast table each morning.

Bright and vivid reds,green and yellow hues became the recognized signature work of the Avoca Handweavers. It is the oldest working woollen mill in Ireland and one of the world's oldest manufacturing companies. It is also Ireland's oldest surviving business.

Through it all, I found myself falling in love with the beauty of Ireland’s natural landscape: the small and beautiful cottages, the rolling green countryside and the fresh, clean air. However, what I will always remember most are the friendly and beautiful people who make up this amazing Emerald Isle called Ireland.

Tulips line the sidewalk leading into St. Patrick's Church in Dublin, the present building dates from 1220. The Cathedral is today the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and also serves as a popular tourist attraction.

Taking His Shot

Trinity's Jacob Dobich throws the shotput for during a track meet against Ringgold. Dobich finished third in the event with a throw of 36-10.

UMWA Rally

Miner Chuck Burgess of Uniontown, holds a flag during United Mine Workers of America solidarity rally at the Greene County Fairgrounds in Waynesburg.

Island Paradise

Rally For Justice

Tamarra Ratley the mother Marius Chatman and other family members held a rally for justice for Chatman on the one year anniversary of hid death. At the Washington police station on Friday,

A Nice Ring to It

Retired Pittsburgh Steeler Chris Hoke made a stop at Trinity North Elementary for Dr. Seuss' birthday. Brothers Dylan, center, and Derek Facvo got to try on his Super Bowl rings.

Monacan Roll Into Second Round

Monessens Lavalle Rush takes it in for two during a game against Leechburg at Charleroi High School.

A Night To Shine

Shelby McAllister of Washington, gets out of the limo during Night To Shine, a prom for special needs kids 16 and older. It's sponsred by the Tim Tebow Foundation at The Bible Chapel in McMurray.

Paul and Jessica make their way down the red carpet during Night To Shine, during the a prom at The Bible Chapel in McMurray.

Off The Beaten Path

Washington County Department of Parks & Recreation held an introduction to snowshoeing event at Mingo Creek County Park. Daniel Royall, right,recreation program coordinator, led the class on a modern hike.

Staying In Touch

A whitetail deer touches the nose of her fawn at Washington Park

Solar Man

Adam Rossi, owner of Adam Solar Resources, sells many green products, including solar panels, electric bikes, electric car charging stations and hover boards. Solar Man

Handprints

A window covered with handprints in the former day care room on the third floor of the former YWCA on West Maiden Street in Washington.

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Scott Stegman of Greensboro participates in the 3rd annual Washington County Gay Straight Alliance candlelight walk through downtown Washington to recognize Transgender Day of Remembrance. This event helps to bring awareness in our community and honors the memory of transgender people who have died due to violence, hate, and discrimination.

Falls Leaves

A man walks up steps covered with falling leaves near Washington Park Elementary School

International Peace Negotiator

International Peace Negotiator Mary Montague at Washington & Jefferson College. Montague, an experienced mediator who hails from Northern Ireland, has spent many years promoting peace in communities both at home and abroad.

Peacemaker: 'Rehumanizing' Key to resolution

Ringgold vs. Belle Vernon

Ringgold's Octavius Vassar tries to get pasted Belle Vernon's Anthony Capane during a game at James Weir Stadium on Friday

Tara Puja Tea Ceremony

Monks ring bells and chant as part of the Tara Puja tea ceremony Thursday at Washington & Jefferson College.

Jeb Bush at Rice Energy

Governor Jeb Bush shakes hands with Rice Energy Company employee David Argueta before he speaks about his energy plan at Rice Energy on Tuesday in Canonsburg.

Addict addicted to dead lift

Justin Buckels credits his early love of lower-body lifting for putting him in competitive shape to potentially break a state record in dead lifting.Buckels turns to weight training to overcome heroin.
Addict addicted to dead lift | Observer-Reporter

Last One Standing

Peters Township's Andrea McGinnis rects after falling to the ground after a collision with Canon-Mcmillan's Aideen O'Donoghue during a match in Canonsburgh

Their Lives Matter

A recovering heroin addict shares her story of rehabilitation after a $200-a-day drug habit took its toll. Her story is the first in our "Under the Label" series, which will focus on the human side of social issues in the area. Heroin addict: 'It brought me to my knees' | Observer-Reporter

Tunnel Vision

A silhouette of Barb Senatore of South Fayette,on her run along the Montoun Trail working her way through the National Tunnel which is 623 feet long in Cecil Township on Monday

Finishing Touch

Anthony Sibert employee with H&R Signs, puts the finishing touch on the neon letters before they are install on the Observer-Publishing Company Building in Washington

A Vine Tradition

Jamie Thistlethwaite looking over a vine of French hybrids grapes in the vineyard at Thistlethwaite Vineyards in Jefferson Click To Read Story

Bus-Painting Competition

Trinity High School band members Sarah Hall, and A.J. Falvo got more paint on themselves than on the buses during bus painting night at the Washington County Fairground
Click To Read Story