Film Ireland is deeply, deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ireland’s most supportive champion of the arts, Seán Rocks.
On behalf of our creative community, our writers and our fellow filmmakers, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and to the entire Arena team.
As many of the nervous creatives who sat opposite Seán in that Donnybrook studio can testify, he was warm, generous and enthusiastic. He was someone who used his platform to shine a light on every corner of the arts.
Seán introduced emerging poets and first-time filmmakers with the same reverence he extended to booker-prize winning authors or A-list actors. He made space for the Irish language and celebrated such a vast cross section of musical talent. But notably, he opened a space that can often feel closed - even exclusive - to a wide range of creative voices. Seán did all of this with kindness and generosity, and with the energy of someone in their first week on the job - never mind 16 years behind a mic.
This year, Culture Night will ring a little hollower. Our long commutes will be more lonely.
An entire generation of artists and art lovers alike extend not only condolences, but our gratitude.
Seán, we will miss you dearly.
