Tributes paid to rally legend and Troubles survivor

WARM and heartfelt tributes have been paid following the death of Mervyn Johnston, one of Northern Ireland’s most experienced and admired rally drivers, a man whose life story encompassed sporting brilliance, quiet courage and unshakeable determination in the face of adversity.

Mr Johnston passed away peacefully on New Year’s Day at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen, eight days after suffering a stroke. He was 86.

Originally from Pettigo, on the Donegal-Fermanagh border, and later a long-time resident of Tullyhommon near Kesh, Mervyn Johnston was widely known across Ireland and beyond as ‘The Tullyhommon Flyer’. He was also exceptionally well-known and highly respected in Tyrone rallying circles, where his skill, generosity and sportsmanship earned him lifelong admiration.

A former rally driver of rare ability, Mr Johnston rose to fame for his giant-killing performances, particularly behind the wheel of various Mini variants. Despite his diminutive stature - which led many to affectionately refer to him as “wee Mervyn” in service parks - his presence in the sport was anything but small.

His rallying career began in 1960 at the Circuit of Ulster and spanned decades, not only as a competitor but also as a gifted engineer and preparer of cars for others. Among his many achievements were victory in the Ulster Rally Championship in 1970, winning the Touring Category of the 1964 Circuit of Ireland Rally, and an impressive fourth-place overall finish on the 1973 Circuit of Ireland, after which he stepped away from frontline competition.

However, his passion for the sport never dimmed. In later years, Mr Johnston returned to competition in Historic machinery, going on to win the Irish Historic Rally Championship drivers’ crown on at least six occasions between 1991 and 2008.

The Galway International Rally held a particularly special place in his heart. In 1972, he came agonisingly close to securing an international victory, leading the event going into the final stage before his challenge ended just 10 miles from the finish after losing control over some jumps.

Central to many of his finest performances was AIL3300, the most famous of all his cars. First campaigned at Galway in 1968 in 1275cc form, it remained a cornerstone of his career until 1975 and was the Mini in which he claimed the 1970 Ulster Rally Championship title.

Beyond motorsport, Mr Johnston’s life was deeply shaped by the Troubles. A former member of the UDR CGC, he ran his business, M.J. Johnston, on the Tullyhommon-Pettigo border. During this time, he and his family were subjected to numerous attacks by the Provisional IRA and he survived attempts on his life. At one point, on the advice of the security services, he was forced to seek refuge on the Isle of Man.

Kenny Donaldson of the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) described him as “a larger than life personality who refused to be cowed by terrorism”.

“He and his family were subjected to numerous attacks by Provisional IRA terrorists who sought to remove the Johnston family name from the area,” he said. “His tales of survival are legendary. The Johnstons demonstrated steely determination and remained in the area, with Mervyn building a business and a reputation as a really gifted authority on motor cars, particularly his beloved Minis.”

Mr Donaldson also recalled Mr Johnston’s compassion and warmth at a SEFF event last August, when he took time to engage with the daughters of Sgt Ronald Beckett, making them feel “valued and special”.

“They don’t make them like Mervyn these days,” he added. “He was a genuinely decent human being, respected deeply by many people from near and far.”

Close friend and fellow rally competitor Beatty Crawford described Mr Johnston as “a giant of a man”.

“He was a brilliant driver and top-class marksman - the go-to Mini man in Ireland,” he said. “He was such a gentleman: quiet, unassuming and always ready to help. He was loved by everyone on both sides of the border.”

Dungannon Motor Club member and long-time friend Derek Smyth echoed those sentiments, describing him as “one of life’s true gentlemen” and praising his selflessness and willingness to help others, even as a fierce competitor.

Tributes also poured in from across the motorsport community and classic car world, with many highlighting not only his talent as a driver and engineer, but his honesty, kindness and loyalty as a friend.

Mervyn Johnston is survived by his devoted wife Sylvia, daughters Tanya and Michele, and son Karl, as well as sons-in-law Neville and David, his cherished grandchildren Chloe, Ashley, Hollie, Megan and Amber, and great-grandchildren Evie and Alice. He is also mourned by his twin sister Marion, and was predeceased by his twin brother David.

A Service of Thanksgiving celebrating his life was held at Pettigo Methodist Church on Sunday, followed by a private interment at Sydare Cemetery on Monday morning.

His passing leaves a profound void in the motorsport community and beyond - but his legacy, both on and off the stages, will endure.