Michael Dwyer

Michael Dwyer (2 May 1951 – 1 January 2010) was an Irish journalist and film critic who wrote for The Irish Times for more than 20 years. He was previously in this role for the Sunday Tribune, the Sunday Press and the magazine In Dublin.

Dwyer was central to the foundation of two film festivals in Dublin and served on the board of the Irish Museum of Modern Art until shortly before his death. He appeared often on the country's top radio shows, Morning Ireland and The Marian Finucane Show.

He died after an illness on 1 January 2010.

Early life and career Dwyer was originally from Saint John's Park in Tralee, County Kerry. He began working for In Dublin followed by the Sunday Tribune and the Sunday Press. In later life he served on the board of the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Illness and death Dwyer became unwell after a trip to the Cannes Film Festival in May 2009. The article was a review of cinema in 2009 and of the 2000s, and in his contribution Dwyer referenced the ill health which had haunted him for much of the previous year and which had prevented him from viewing any cinema releases between June and September. President of the Labour Party Michael D. Higgins said his work was "incalculable [...] he was an activist in promoting a knowledge and appreciation of film in all its forms". The Irish Times published tribute pieces on his life.

His nephew Jim Lyons (who lives in Tralee) gave him a glowing tribute describing his beloved uncle as "one in a million" and also describing Michael "being a great family man" in the Kerryman newspaper. Michael Dwyer is survived by his partner Brian, mother Mary, sisters Anne Lyons and Maria Barrett, brothers-in-law Jimmy and Timmy, nephews Jim & Nick, niece Fiona, grand-nieces Louise, Rebecca, Grace, Josephine, and Lucy.

A ceremony took place at the Church of the Holy Name in Ranelagh where he lived. Dwyer was cremated after the funeral on 5 January 2010.

Awards Dwyer's "contribution to French cinema" led to an honour from the French government. He received the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in 2006.