Solas Nua is deeply saddened by the sudden passing on June 5, 2026 of former board member and longtime Capital Irish Film Festival (CIFF) Director, Pat Reilly, whose vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Irish arts influenced the cultural landscape of Washington, D.C., and beyond.
For many years, Pat served on the Solas Nua Board of Directors and led the Capital Irish Film Festival from 2015-2022, helping transform it into one of the premier showcases of Irish cinema in the United States. Through her dedication, industry knowledge, and boundless enthusiasm, she championed Irish filmmakers, fostered cultural connections between Ireland and the U.S., and built a welcoming home for Irish storytelling on screen.
"Pat Reilly lived a life of passionate dedication and commitment to the things that she believed in and felt strongly about," said Paddy Meskell, Chair Emeritus of the Solas Nua Board. "Ireland, Donegal, Irish arts and specifically Irish film were among those causes that she fully embraced."
Meskell recalled Pat's immense contributions to both Solas Nua and CIFF, noting her “all island vision for Irish arts and took special joy in introducing and promoting young, emerging Irish filmmakers to US audiences. She was responsible for building the reputation of CIFF in Ireland and the US as among the leading film festivals and a 'must attend' event in the cultural life of the Washington region.”
“Pat brought her trademark vision, leadership, industry, energy, attention to detail, personal warmth and wisdom to the service of Irish arts and culture. Pat's sense of humour and optimism were infectious," he said. "The Irish arts and cultural communities in the U.S. and Ireland will feel your loss deeply. Go raibh mile maith agat Pat. Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam.”
Listen to Pat Reilly and Paddy Meskell discuss the 2018 Capital Film Festival with Film Ireland.
Pat's legacy is perhaps most visible in the strength and reputation of the Capital Irish Film Festival today. She was known for her commitment to discovering and promoting emerging Irish filmmakers and for fostering meaningful relationships across the Irish film industry. Read her 2019 Irish Central piece on the role of collaboration in bringing Irish film to the US.
Meadhbh Mc Cullagh, Director of CIFF, first met Pat when interviewing to succeed her in 2022 after Pat's retirement from the festival.
"Pat was helpful and very supportive of what she saw unfolding with the festival," Mc Cullagh said. "I very much appreciated her directness and straight-talking approach. If Pat was delighted with the program and the films, I knew I had done a good job. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."
Mc Cullagh reflected on Pat's lasting impact, observing that she and her fellow board members worked tirelessly over many years to build the festival into a supportive and welcoming home for Irish film in the nation's capital.
Former Solas Nua Board Member Mike Kirlin remembered Pat as the driving force behind the festival during its formative years.
"Pat had pioneered CIFF and established its logistics over many years before electronic film file transfers made her life so much easier," Kirlin said. He recalled her strong relationships with the Irish Film Board and the many writers, directors, and artists she met through years of attending the Galway Film Fleadh.
Beyond her contributions to Irish arts, Kirlin described Pat as an accomplished editor, a devoted volunteer, and a deeply engaged citizen who brought energy and curiosity to every organization she served. He also remembered her great affection for her extended family and her enthusiasm for family gatherings and vacations.
“I am glad for God’s gift of Pat in our midst and just as He generously shared her with us, we should rejoice in her return to live with Him for eternity.”
Solas Nua Board Member Kate Meenan-Waugh described Pat, a proud daughter of Killybegs, as "a gentle but fierce soul" whose determination helped lay the foundation for the festival's success.
"Her tenacity in sourcing film offerings, artists, venues, audiences, and the eventual partnership with AFI Silver Spring spoke to her passion and commitment to bring Irish stories to Washington audiences," Meenan-Waugh said. “She knew everybody, was widely experienced in the world at large and would use her considerable journalistic skills to drill down to the essential element of any Board topic or issue."
She noted that Pat was a valued colleague and a trusted voice on the board. “She will be missed by all who knew her.”
Those who worked alongside Pat consistently speak of her generosity, intelligence, warmth, and steadfast commitment to Irish culture. Her influence continues through the filmmakers she championed, the audiences she inspired, and the institution she helped build.
Pat Reilly's contributions to Solas Nua, the Capital Irish Film Festival, and the wider Irish arts community were profound and enduring. She will be greatly missed by her friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
