In 2023, Walsh was the recipient of the Kerry Film Festival (KIFF), Maureen O’Hara Award, a recognition of achievement for women who have excelled in film, TV and/or media.
Biography
Born and raised in Cork, Ireland,[1] Walsh was raised in a Catholic household, and had no intention of becoming an actress, until she followed in the footsteps of her elder sister Catherine,[1] who was also an actress.[1] A young Eileen began to attend theatre workshops and her first break came when, as a student, in 1996, she landed the role of Runt in the stage version of Disco Pigs, alongside Cillian Murphy, who played her friend.[2] She was later heartbroken when losing that role to Elaine Cassidy in the 2001 film version.[3]
In 2002, she played the role of Crispina in The Magdalene Sisters, where her character was beaten and humiliated by nuns, forced to strip, and sexually abused by a Roman Catholic Priest.[2] Her performance earned her a nomination for British Supporting Actress of the Year at the 2002 London Film Critics' Circle Awards.[6]
She featured as Therese Farrell in Pure Mule (2005),[7] and as Breda Farrell in the film Eden (2008),[7] and the same year she played jessica in the short film The End.[7]
In 2008, Walsh won the award for Best Actress at the Tribeca Film Festival for her portrayal of Breda,[1] a lonely housewife whose willpower is put to the test in the film Eden.[8]
In 2023, Walsh was the recipient of the Kerry Film Festival (KIFF), Maureen O’Hara Award, a recognition of achievement for women who have excelled in film, TV and/or media.[5]
Personal life
Walsh is married, lived in London (2009), and has two children.[1]
