Remembering Ian Lynas
The issue of News Briefs published on 10th October carried the sad news of the passing of our member Ian Lynas. James Mc Cauley, a friend and colleague of Ian for many years, has kindly penned the following tribute.
“Northern Ireland lost one of its leading motoring journalists with the passing of Ian Lynas on 8th October. Ian had celebrated his 80th birthday earlier in the year and remained active until his cancer diagnosis.
He initially combined his love of photography and motor sport to become one of the established media representatives at track and rally events across Ireland. His interpretation of the car at speed, realised in the quality of his photography earned an appreciation of his work and increasing recognition by national and international publications.
These connections opened up further opportunities which saw him providing related editorial, ultimately becoming the motoring correspondent with Morton Newspapers. At their height, this was the major media group in Northern Ireland with up to 24 titles which further heightened Ian’s profile.
A significant outcome was an invitation to contribute to Ireland’s leading motoring magazine, CarSport, which covered local and international motor sport. It also offered the opportunity to join the magazine’s road test team.
As a frequent co-driver with Ian on international car launches I found him to be a trusted companion, safe in his driving and competent with navigation in the ‘tulip’ days.
His broad range of interests enhanced dinner conversations, often focusing on his interest and collection of-top brand wrist watches. As chair of the Ulster Motoring Writers Association, he competently carried our views to national meetings and was a long time member of The Guild of Motoring Writers.
Always a gentleman, he often reflected on the joys of his family – wife Hillary and four children. I learned of his prognosis with immense sadness when he phoned me on the morning of the 5th May on leaving the hospital. Committed to his Christian faith, he asked for my support in prayers, and I had the privilege of speaking to him a few days before his death.
His life was celebrated at his Methodist Church on Saturday 10th October where the service was led by his minister, the Reverend Cheryl Bruce. She was supported in prayer and eulogies by two of her clerical colleagues, while a long time friend, Lord Alan Brookeborough, added further remembrances.
The overflowing church was testament to his popularity, with representatives from the Ulster Motoring Writers Association, Irish motor sport and Newspress agency present.
On behalf of the UMWA, I extend my sympathies to his wife Hillary, his sons and daughters. On a personal level, I have lost a true friend and confidant.
The picture above shows Ian checking out the private car collection of the Monaco Royal Family, while below Ian is pictured with Jim McCauley on yet another launch.
