Derry-born TV producer Vinny Cunningham remembered as ‘true champion’

Derry-born television producer Vinny Cunningham has been remembered as a “true champion” following his death, aged 58.

Well-known for his work on popular television series’ such as Mahon’s Way and Lesser Spotted Ulster as well as documentaries about The Undertones and his beloved Derry City Football Club, he passed away in hospital on Saturday.

Tributes have been paid to the highly regarded film-maker, who was lauded for his work on documentaries such as the Battle of the Bogside, No Go: The Free Derry Story and Insight: Operation Motorman.

Speaking to The Irish News, TV presenter Joe Mahon said they had worked together for than three decades on programmes such as Mahon’s Way and Lesser Spotted Ulster.

“Vinny was not much more than a teenager when we began to work together and over the past 30 years we filmed hundreds of documentaries together,” he said.

“If you look at the screen, you know that Vinny was always on the other side of the camera from me.

“Vinny had three great loves in his life - firstly his family, he was an amazing and devoted family man.

“Secondly he was a big Undertones fan...and thirdly he was a massive Derry City FC supporter.

“He was so well-known, well-liked and helpful, he will be missed terribly.”

The Undertones paid tribute to Mr Cunningham, recalling how they first came to know him more than 40 years ago.

In a Facebook post, the band said: “It is with great sadness that we heard the shocking news of the passing of our dear friend, the film maker Vinny Cunningham, after a short illness.

“A true champion of the band, his involvement with us from the early days to the present cannot be overstated.

“Our relationship with Vinny goes way back to the days when he and his brother Daniel would hang around outside The O’Neill house listening to us practice.

“Fittingly, both Vinny and Daniel make an appearance in Julian Temple’s My Perfect Cousin video.

“Possibly this video sparked 14-year-old Vinny’s interest to pursue a career in film making.”

“Vinny made many films and documentaries for TV over the years including his dream project in 2001, co-writing, filming and producing (along with Tommy Collins) ‘Teenage Kicks: The Undertones’ documentary.

“Vinny’s charm and enthusiasm not only persuaded a sceptical Feargal Sharkey to take part but also he was pivotal in getting John Peel to participate.

“The days we got to share with John Peel in Derry while filming will forever be cherished.”

Derry City Football Club said it was “deeply saddened” to learn of “our friend and lifelong supporter”.

The club said: “A familiar face on the terraces at the Brandywell for decades, Vinny will be fondly remembered for his friendly, good-humoured nature and his role in documenting some of the most important moments in our club’s history through video for future generations to enjoy”.

The Bloody Sunday Trust and Museum of Free Derry said they were “saddened to hear of the passing of Vinny Cunningham, a good friend and our partner in our archive project”.

“He will be sorely missed across the city, but his work will always stand as a fitting legacy.

Requiem Mass will take place at St Mary’s Church, Creggan on Tuesday at noon followed by burial in the City Cemetery.