President pays tribute to author who wrote about Limerick history

Tributes were paid today to Liam Cahill, a former RTE journalist and historian who wrote the famous Limerick history book ‘Forgotten Revolution: The Limerick Soviet 1919’ which was first published in 1990.

Irish President Michael D Higgins led the tributes saying: ‘People in the Irish media, politics and beyond will have been saddened to learn of the passing of Liam Cahill. Liam’s contribution to Irish society was wide and varied. This included his work, research and writing as a journalist, historian and adviser in political and public affairs.

“To all of this he brought a knowledgeable, humorous and passionate mind. To all of his many endeavours, he brought, and left, a special personal legacy. His work to bring greater attention to the Limerick Soviet of 1919 reflected a particular interest in the cosmuintir, the outcasts or the neglected, and he presented me with a copy of his book on the subject at Áras an Uachtaráin.

“I have had the privilege of interacting with Liam on several occasions over the years. Indeed, he was due to visit the Áras again in the coming weeks to present me with a copy of his most recent book, ‘From Suir to Jarama”, who shed light on the story of his cousin Mossie Quinlan, a volunteer in Spain with the British Battalion of the International Brigade. It is with great sadness that we will not have the opportunity to have this meeting .

“May I express my deepest condolences to his daughter Susan, his son Eoin, his entire extended family and his many friends across the political spectrum.”

The Irish Ambassador to the United States, Daniel Mulhall, said he was “very sad to learn of the death of Liam Cahill”.

“He was a few years ahead of me at school. I later knew him as an RTÉ journalist, political adviser, media professional, historian and avid Gaelic games enthusiast,” Mr Mulhall told About the Waterford native.

Mr Cahill was a former industry journalist, business correspondent and political correspondent for RTÉ, while also working as an adviser to politicians, the private sector and campaign groups, while finding time, from a one way or another, founding the GAA An Fear Rua website. May he rest in peace.