Michael P Cahill

FOR THE GOOD TIMES NEVER FORGOTTEN

Michael Patrick Cahill was a natural talent who was cast in the 1970 Broadway play, “Borstal Boy,” an adaptation of the autobiographical book depicting Brendan Behan’s 1939 apprehension as a teenage IRA volunteer during his mission to blow up the docks in Liverpool. Behan was arrested, sent to prison and later placed in a “borstal,” a reform institution for young offenders in England. The play portrayed Behan’s time in the borstal and the way in which the experience ultimately affected him.

The celebrated play earned a Tony award, the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award and further honors.

Michael Cahill’s association with Borstal Boy began with Michael McAloney (Borstal Boy’s producer and ex-husband of NYC cabaret legend, Julie Wilson). Mr. McAloney, known for discovering new talent, could not forget the charismatic British musician he had recently observed playing in an Irish pub.

An audition was scheduled; With no acting training and just some minor notes from Mr. McAloney, Michael Cahill nailed the part by instinctively creating the character of “Chewlips,” affording him the opportunity of bringing this lovable character to life both on Broadway and later in Canada.

Even critic John Simon, often known for his stinging reviews, wrote in his theatre chronicle, “The best thing to appear on Broadway all year was Borstal Boy.”

Simon praised the play’s virtues, described it as having “genuine artistic value” and referred, in his NY Magazine review (“The Best of Behan”), to Michael Cahill as someone whose performance he “particularly liked.”

Canadian critic Herbert Whittaker wrote, “But Michael Cahill catches up with a broad, sure performance of a Borstallian called Chewlips. In fact, this was so infectious a lad that I thought he might turn out to be the true young Behan.”

Following his success in Borstal Boy and additional acting parts, Michael returned to his love of musical entertaining in New York’s best pubs and clubs.

As a young man, Michael had traveled the globe as a Merchant Marine which added a level of sophistication and substance to his work.

A classy, seasoned entertainer, Michael was admired for his strong, fun-loving presence, hilarious sense of humor and soulful, mesmerizing voice. Working seven nights a week produced an adoring fan-base of people from all walks of life which included frequent visits from celebrity friends—admittedly fans of Michael’s exquisite renditions of both traditional Irish and contemporary American songs. A friend to anyone in need, Michael was a generous person who, in fact, gave Al Pacino his couch during a time the actor was unknown and virtually homeless. Michael also shared many a story with his pal, John Lennon, as they reminisced about their homeland. Indeed, there are many stories involving celebrities, but this memorial is about the man, Michael Cahill, and what he gave us.

Also a composer, Michael traveled the country with his band, “The Great British Disaster,” performing concerts, recording albums and writing songs for Roger Whittaker and other celebrities--while writing jokes for comedians such as Rodney Dangerfield.

A rare, amazing talent who accepted the challenge of sharing his God-given gifts during his lifetime, Michael Patrick Cahill elevated our lives with his own. He was born on January 23, 1942 in London, England—although his ancestry hailed from the Village of Kilrush, County Clare in Ireland.

After a long, courageous battle with unrelenting illnesses during which he never gave up his will to live, Michael’s suffering ended on October 20, 2016 at the Astoria Place of Barnesville—freeing his talent to soar unrestrained.

He is survived by his beloved son, Michael Christopher, Jr., his former wife, Meredith Cahill and long-time friend, Karen Deamant. And by all the many lives he so fervently touched and inspired both on the stage and off. 

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 11 AM with Fr. Dave Cornett officiating at Astoria Place of Barnesville, 400 Carrie Ave, Barnesville, Ohio. Arrangements are entrusted to Campbell-Plumly-Milburn Funeral Home, 319 North Chestnut Street, Barnesville, Ohio.

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