Tributes have been paid to a highly respected Co Armagh motoring journalist who has died peacefully at home following a battle with cancer.
Ian Lynas, who passed away on October 8, was a familiar and highly regarded figure in motoring and motorsport journalism, having spent more than 30 years testing vehicles and reporting on the industry.
Colleagues and friends have remembered the Portadown man as a talented journalist, a passionate motorsport enthusiast and, above all, a kind and generous man who supported others throughout his career.
Ian began his journalism career right here in his home county, when a former editor of the Ulster Gazette gave him an opportunity to take the wheel with motoring features.
Not before long, Ian moved onto industry-specific publications, writing for Motor Month and later working with CarSport NI, UTVDrive.
He was also involved with a wide range of publications and broadcasters, including the Portadown Times, Lurgan Mail, Motoring News, Motorsport News, The Newsletter and Auto Ireland.
He was co-editor of autonorthonline.com and also served as a judge for the Car of the Year awards.
Away from journalism, Ian also served his time in education, working as vice-principal of Manor House School near Milford, Armagh.
His career led him to pursue and enjoy countless experiences that many enthusiasts could only dream of. He travelled the world far and wide forging lasting friendships and connections wherever he went.
A passionate photographer, he was also a regular contributor to Irish Formula Atlantic Racing, who have proudly shared Ian’s stunning black and white captures from the 1970s.
In 2018, the esteemed journalist was awarded the Royal Irish Automobile Club’s Reynolds Trophy, an honour he described at the time as particularly special because he was the “first recipient of the recognition from Northern Ireland”.
News of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across motoring media and beyond, with many recalling his “generosity” and his “enthusiasm” for sharing his knowledge.
Automotive journalist, John McIlroy said he was “desperately sorry” to hear of Ian’s passing, remembering how he had helped him when he was taking his first steps into journalism.
“Ian was a huge help and extremely kind to me as I took my first steps into journalism, even allowing me to ‘work shadow’ him for a couple of days,” he said.
“Always loved catching up with him on events and launches. Sending my deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”
Colin Courtney described Ian as a “dear friend” who shared his love of motoring, photography and motorsport.
He recalled Ian taking him to his first event at Kirkistown many years ago, and later helping him pursue his interest in photography with trips to Nutts Corner and Kirkistown for rallycross.
The pair also travelled together on motoring assignments abroad, visiting places including the Middle East, Rome, Paris and Sweden.
“He’ll be sadly missed by all who knew him,” Colin said. “An absolute gentleman.”
Ian Nulty said he considered Ian a friend and had worked with him on ‘On The Road’ reports over recent years.
“Always so kind and interesting – he had amazing stories about his encounters with Senna, Moss and many, many more,” he said.
“The world is a poorer place today. May he rest in peace.”
Journalist, Andrew Charman also paid tribute to his friend, whom he first met in 1992 before they went on to become regular driving partners on international motoring assignments.
Andrew remembered Ian’s humour and the adventures they experienced together, including getting vehicles stuck during motoring assignments.
“Immediate memories that bring a smile include Ian driving a brand new Kia Sedona through a road of freshly laid and somewhat wet tarmac in Austria, and twice getting cars stuck – another Kia in a deep pond on an off-road course near Marlow and a Land Rover Freelander in a sand dune in a Moroccan desert,” he said with fondness.
“About the only interest I didn’t share with Ian was his passion for watches – apparently he had hordes of them!
“In all the time I knew him I never remember him having a cross word for anyone. RIP my friend, you will be missed.”
Another tribute described Ian as “a motorsport and motoring celebrity” and “a King of the news and everything cars”, with condolences and messages of support sent to his wife Hilary and their family.
A notice published on Ian’s Facebook page by his grieving family said they had been greatly comforted by the support, visits and calls they had received in recent months.
Encouraging all to remember their beloved father and husband, they said: “As a family, it is with great sadness we share the passing of our lovely Daddy and husband Ian Lynas.
“Please join us to celebrate the life of this wonderful man.”
A death notice described Ian as the beloved husband of Hilary, father of Neil, Gavin, Karen and Dawn, father-in-law to Joan, Robert and Owen, and grandfather to Zak, James, Sophia and Megan.
His funeral service will take place at Edenderry Memorial Methodist Church on Saturday at 2pm, followed by a private family interment.
Friends are welcome at The Old Meeting House on Friday between 6pm and 8pm. The family home will remain private.
Donations, if desired, are payable to Alan Wray & Co Funeral Directors for Edenderry Memorial Methodist Church and Cancer Focus NI.
Ian will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends and colleagues across the motoring and motorsport world.
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