Peter Thursfield 1946-2023: A life taking photographs

A selection of photos from the former Irish Times picture editor, who has died aged 77

Pauline and Bridget O'Hara and Mary Nolan wearing masks in protest of inactivity over smog levels in 1988. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Fri Dec 15 2023 - 12:21

Peter Thursfield, former picture editor of The Irish Times in 2006. Photograph: Frank Miller

The multi-award winning photographer and former Irish Times picture editor Peter Thursfield has died at the age of 77. Thursfield was credited with setting new standards in his profession and with contributing to Irish social life through his images on the front page. He died in the early hours of Thursday morning following an illness, surrounded by family at St James’s Hospital in Dublin. Here is a flavour of the work that distinguished him as an outstanding photographer.

Gerry Conlon, one of four people wrongly convicted for a bombing in Guildford, England, is accompanied by his sisters after his release at the Old Bailey, London, in October 1989. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Pauline O'Hara (left) Bridget O'Hara, (centre) and Mary Nolan donned protective masks distributed by local GP Dr Conor O'Hanlon in protest at government inactivity in November 1988 over smog levels in Dublin. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

A visibly shaken British prime minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit on December 23rd, 1988 to Lockerbie. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Up to 2,000 Loyalists defied an RUC ban and marched the original route of the Apprentice Boys' parade through a Catholic district of Portadown in 1986. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Two stray pups at the Dogs and Cats Home in Dublin in December 1983. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Motorcyclists crossing O'Connell Bridge in Dublin in June 1992, during a demonstration organised by Motorcyclists Against Discrimination to draw attention to the high cost of their insurance. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Don Tidey with detectives following his rescue at Ballyconnell Garda Station on December 17th, 1983. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Charles Haughey speaking to a press conference at Leinster House after his election as Fianna Fail leader. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Joanne Hayes at the Kerry Babies Tribunal in 1985. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Jack Charlton at Dublin Airport as the Irish squad arrive back from the 1988 European Championships in West Germany. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Gerry Adams, Ruairi O Bradaigh and Martin McGuinness at the 1986 Sinn Fein Ard Comhairle. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Charles Haughey and Monsignor James Horan at the opening of Knock Airport in 1986. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Charles Haughey's first major interview in 1980 since becoming Taoiseach, speaking with Geraldine Kennedy. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Andy Townsend, Kevin Sheehy and Steve Staunton celebrate a goal against England during Italia 90. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Students from Bolton Street College protest on the Ha'penny Bridge in 1987. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Kevin O'Farrell of Clongowes Wood during a1983 Leinster Schools Senior Cup match against Blackrock. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

TD for West Mayo Enda Kenny at the 1976 Fine Gael Ard Fheis. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Michael D Higgins at a debate on feminism at the RDS in 1987. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Gordon Hamilton celebrates a try to the despair of Rob Egerton (left) and David Campese of Australia. Photograph: Peter Thursfield

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