'It's a sad and beautiful world...' noted Roberto Benigni in Jim Jarmusch's classic ‘Down By Law’. Never a truer statement was uttered in a quirky little b&w indie movie. And the funeral of Pete Walsh last Monday morning brought back memories of ‘Down By Law’, plus a million and one other movies dissected at length (and breadth) in Pete's presence over the years: it was a profoundly sad occasion, and a beautiful one, too. As Cinemas Manager and main programmer of the Irish Film Institute for the past 18 years, Pete was, in his own unassuming way, a profoundly significant figure in the Irish film world, and as passionate and steadfast a champion of cinema as you could ever possibly hope to encounter.
Gathered that Monday to mourn his passing were an extended circle of family, friends and colleagues, all of whom, it's fair to suggest, felt truly lucky to have spent time in the company of a man who lived and breathed movies with a dedication, knowledge and unerring enthusiasm (not to forget that ever-irreverent sense of humour) that was by turns inspiring and positively infectious. Regular visitors to the IFI will undoubtedly be familiar with his presence; the gap left by his passing is incalculable, his legacy formidable. On a personal level, we'll all miss him beyond words, and will honour his memory the way he would have truly wanted it: by screening and watching and talking movies 'till the wee small hours. Happy trails, Pete.
- Derek O'Connor, Writer
