Can I contact the filmmaker for interviews or collaborations?
Yes — I’m active on Instagram and always open to questions, interviews, collaborations, and partnerships for future projects. You can reach me at @johnlawlor79.
Emerald Storm FAQs
Explore key questions and answers about Emerald Storm — part of our Documentaries collection.
Where can viewers watch the documentary?
Emerald Storm premiered on August 21, 2025, and is available to stream exclusively on Red Bull TV worldwide.
What inspired this documentary?
As a former World Cup racer turned filmmaker, I’ve always wanted to produce a documentary on the history of the sport in Ireland. As my experience and skills as a producer and director grew—alongside the success of the current generation of Irish Downhill racers on the world stage—I felt it was the right time to tell the story of the sport from its origins in the early 1990s to today. Cycling was also a huge part of my family life growing up, and my dad, Eamonn, was a major influence and guiding force in my involvement. Without him being there for so many people during the evolution of the sport, we wouldn’t be where we are today. This film is my way of saying thank you to him for everything he’s done for me and for the sport.
What sources were used in the research process?
As both a former racer and filmmaker, I was able to tap into archive footage from racers and creators who were involved in the scene throughout the sport’s history. Among these sources was mountain bike pioneer and filmmaker Peter Purfield, who documented the sport’s growth from small local rides to professional international racing. Additional footage came from home videos and photos by John Lawlor himself, and from former World Cup racer Andy Yoong, covering much of the 1990s and early 2000s. Other contributors such as Jon Beckett, Ralf Schupp, Tommy Caldwell, Max Randall, Glen Thomson, and Harry Jenkinson provided invaluable material from the current generation of Irish racers.
How did the documentary’s vision evolve over time?
The idea for the documentary had been in development for over 15 years, but it was difficult to gain traction without significant international success from Irish racers. When Oisín O’Callaghan won the Junior World Championships in 2020, followed by the rapid rise of both Oisín and Ronan Dunne, the story evolved—it was no longer just about the sport’s origins but about how Irish success became a global reality. Their achievements gave new depth to the narrative, showing that every early effort in the sport contributed to the foundation for today’s champions.