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It is with deep sadness that we note the passing of Pearse Cahill who’s name has been synonymous with aviation in Ireland since the 1930’s. Those who knew him will remember his typical jovial mood as in this photo with Gay Byrne at the launch of the Iona book celebrating his life and career. Summing up a legend it not easy and we are grateful to Michael Traynor for the following insight in a man known to generations. “Pearse was there to witness the visits to Ireland of Sir Alan Cobham and his aerial circus. He was at Baldonnel on 5th September 1930 to welcome his father’s new Desoutter aircraft to commence Ireland’s first commercial airline. As a teenager he saw the development by his father, Hugh, of Ireland’s first commercial aerodrome at Kildonan – where Pearse learned to fly and soloed age 16 years. He has met the greats of world aviation of the time, iconic aviators like Jim Mollison, Amy Johnston and Amelia Earhart. He has even flown with Lady Mary Heath. He developed a love for motoring and was one of Ireland’s premier racing drivers between 1936 and 1956, by which time his interest in aviation was rekindled. He developed Iona Airways at the rear of Dublin airport in 1957 and started training pilots. In 1965 he formed a relationship with Cessna which remained for 46 years. During those years he supplied most of the flying clubs in Ireland with aircraft for pilot training. This was an aspect he encouraged and fostered throughout his working life”.

“Alongside the pilot training at the Irish Aero Club the commercial role of Iona Airways fostered, to the extent that by the late 1980’s Iona was second in aircraft numbers to Aer Lingus. Both Pearse’s organisations employed up to 130 personnel in the early 1990’s. Not only was he supplying the general aviation fraternity in Ireland with aircraft but in 1972 he supplied eight Cessna’s to the Irish Air Corps – most of which are still airworthy with service parts still supplied by Iona.

“Pearse had a unique personality. His passing at his home on 7th December 2011, short of his 95th birthday, was peaceful and tranquil, somewhat a contradiction to his bubbly life during which he was forever jesting, joking and generally could be called on for a good all round time. He had a ‘colourful’ tongue and this could be particularly evident when he was dealing with bureaucracy, especially ‘The Department’. He was generous with his time when aviation was involved. He carved out a living for himself and his family, but on the way he certainly helped many others to make a rewarding life in aviation around the world. A testimony to the high regard in which Pearse was held was evident in the huge turnout to the man himself when a book was launched on 26 November 2004 as a tribute to his life and career. He was very proud of his family and their continued involvement in aviation. The name Pearse Cahill will never be forgotten in the aeronautical world”.