TRIBUTES WERE paid yesterday to former chairman of the Cork International Film Festival and Arts Council member Charlie Hennessy, who died in Cork yesterday morning following a short illness.
Mr Hennessy served as chairman of the film festival committee for some 13 years and also served as chairman of the board of Cork Opera House as well as on both the Arts Council and Cork Corporation arts committee.
A solicitor, Mr Hennessy also served for 25 years as an Independent member of Passage town council, including 12 terms as chair of the council, while he also served with the Cork Chamber of Commerce.
Director of the Cork Film Festival Mick Hannigan paid tribute to Mr Hennessy for his dedicated service to the festival since it began in 1955, when he first served as a volunteer.
"He was instrumental in guiding the festival through some very difficult times and making it the success it is today - he was a great patron of the arts in Cork and a great raconteur. He was always good-humoured and great to work with and I shall miss him hugely," he said.
Green Party member of Passage town council Cllr Dominick Donnelly also paid tribute to Mr Hennessy for his selfless service to the community in a variety of roles, including championing environmental issues.
"If anyone embodied what it means to be a community activist, then it was Charlie. With over 25 years of service as an Independent member of Passage West town council, including numerous years as mayor, it is unlikely that anyone will ever match Charlie's level of service."
Mr Hennessy, who is survived by his wife Abigail, sister Frankie and brother Ray and other relatives, will be buried following requiem Mass at the North Cathedral in Cork at noon tomorrow.