Irish Film Institute -Passing of our dear colleague Pete Walsh

Passing of our dear colleague Pete Walsh

It was with great sadness that we learnt today of the passing of our friend and colleague Pete Walsh.

For most people, their cinema going experience at the IFI has been shaped by Pete Walsh. A couple of years after the IFI first opened its doors in Temple Bar, Pete Walsh became the Cinemas Manager and has been the main programmer for 18 of its 20 years. His vast and extensive knowledge of world cinema was unrivalled and he introduced so many of our audiences and regulars to films they would never have discovered without his passion for programming.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Pete for almost five years, but many people at the IFI and elsewhere have known and worked alongside him for a lot longer. His absolute dedication to film and the IFI was unquestionable. He ate and drank film and had an unwavering appetite for more. He was a familiar sight to visitors to the IFI, always around and checking in on things to ensure everything was living up to his very high expectations.

It’s hard to put into words how central Pete has been to the IFI and how much he will be missed. I think the biggest testament to Pete – and demonstrating the high regard in which he is held by colleagues and friends – was evident during the time of his illness when there was a steady stream of people from the industry, the arts world, and colleagues old and new, constantly by his bedside, engaging in lively discussions about film, about what was doing well or what was underperforming, right up until the end.

Pete will be sorely missed by one and all.

Ross Keane
Director

As a mark of respect to our colleague and friend, the IFI will be closed to the public on Monday, December 10th.

 

 

  

IFI CINEMAS TODAY


The IFI is supported
by The Arts Council

Arts Council of Ireland