Tributes paid to filmmaker and cycling campaigner, Paddy Cahill

Tributes have been paid from cycling, filmmaking and architectural voices to cycling campaigner and filmmaker, Paddy Cahill, who died last Friday in hospital.

His funeral took place this afternoon. His brother, Conor, cycled Paddy’s coffin to Glasnevin Cemetery — a video of Paddy’s final cycle was captured by an Irish Times journalist and posted it to Twitter.

His love of filmmaking and cycling combined a number of times, including with the ‘Cycling With’ series, which can be viewed at cyclingwith.com; and the Dublin Cycling Stories series, which can be viewed on YouTube. For the Dublin Cycling Campaign, he also made practical cycling-related videos, such a video on keeping your bicycle secure, and an award-winning advert for the campaign.

The Dublin Cycling Campaign said: “We are deeply saddened at the death of our friend and volunteer Cahill Paddy. Paddy was a talented filmmaker and who created many beautiful films for us.”

They added: “We extend our sympathies to his wife Jonia and his family and many friends – especially his brother, and our close colleague, Conor.”

Cyclist.ie, an umbrella group for cycling campaigns around the country, said: “Cyclist.ie also wishes to offer our sympathy to Paddy’s wife and family at his untimely passing. We are thinking especially of our colleague, Conor. From what we hear Cahill Paddy was an extraordinary man who left his mark for good.”

The Galway Cycling Campaign said: “We are sad to learn of the death of Cahill Paddy. We discussed his beautiful Dublin Cycling Stories films on Friday, and decided to make a Galway version. Our deepest sympathies to his wife Jonia, their families and friends, in particular his brother Conor.”

The EcoEye team said: “Our sincerest condolences to Paddy’s wife and family. Its was always a pleasure working with Paddy, a great cinematographer and a gentleman RIP.”

Irish Film Institute said: “The board and staff of the Irish Film Institute are deeply saddened to learn of the death of filmmaker Paddy Cahill. Paddy directed many fine short documentary films about the art and architecture of Dublin. For over a decade he explored the city as a place in which people live, work and play and he created a body of work that is as warm and whimsical as it is authoritative and meticulously researched. We have been pleased to screen many of Paddy’s short films over the years and in 2017 to present his compelling feature-length documentary Amanda Coogan: Long Now in which he celebrates the artist, her life and her durational performance art practice.”

The IFI added: “Paddy engaged positively and regularly with IFI as talented filmmaker and as kind and enthusiastic audience member. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. The staff and board of IFI send our heartfelt condolences to Paddy’s family at this sad time.”

In a tribute to Paddy published on RTE.ie today, Emma Gilleece, an architectural historian, wrote : “It is difficult to express Paddy Cahill’s contribution to the culture of Irish art and architecture. Over the weekend, the architecture and film communities were devastated to learn of the death of this young filmmaker. The most humblest of men faced his illness head on with the same dignity and wisdom far beyond his years as seen in his documentaries.”

Dublin Civic Trust tweeted: “We’re so deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Paddy Cahill – a talented filmmaker who was understated, perceptive and always great company. His important work wove the very fabric of Dublin.”

On his final cycle, the Trust added: ” No better ceremonial route for Cahill Paddy than the sweep around the Custom House and Liberty Hall, ascending the grandeur of Gardiner Street to the crest of the hill at Mountjoy Square. RIP Paddy and condolences to his wife Jonia and family. He made an outstanding contribution.”

Paddy is survived by his wife Jonia, his parents Tony and Catriona, his sister Pamela and brother Conor.


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