Northern Ireland

Irish rally legend to be celebrated in new book

A new book charts the career of Circuit of Ireland Rally racer Bertie Fisher, pictured in action in 1981 
A new book charts the career of Circuit of Ireland Rally racer Bertie Fisher, pictured in action in 1981 

A champion rally driver, a charity worker and successful businessman - the life of an Irish sporting legend is to be celebrated in a new book.

'King Fisher - The Story of Rally Legend Bertie Fisher' will be launched to mark the 15th anniversary of the helicopter crash that claimed his life and those of his children Mark (27) and Emma (25).

They died near their Ballinamallard home in 2001 as they returned from a celebration at Ashford Castle, Co Mayo for his wife's birthday.

His wife Gladys and another son, Roy, were injured.

The book details the Fermanagh man's life and career, which saw him become a household name for 20 international rally victories and being a three-time winner of the Circuit of Ireland.

Fisher was also a record-breaking six-times winner at the Rally of the Lakes in Killarney and four times Ulster Rally champion, as well as being a successful businessman running Fisher Engineering Ltd.

He also lent his support to motorsport clubs across Ireland, raising money for charities and donating his prize money from a number of events.

Rally enthusiast and photographer Fergus McAnallen, who has written the book, said throughout his love of cars "there was always one driver that stood out, and that was Bertie".

"He was a hero to me and it was an honour and a privilege to be able to put this book together," he said.

"It took many years of research, but the end result is packed with hundreds of hand-picked images from dozens of archives, and contains an in-depth synopsis of his career, results and life outside the sport.

"In writing the book I have conducted many interviews across the British Isles with people who were involved with Bertie's rallying career - from mechanics to co-drivers, each had a unique story to share."

He added: "Still to this day Bertie remains a popular figure in Irish rally history and with his professionalism and dedication to safety improvements, he really helped to bring Irish rallying to another level."

Kieran McAnallen from the Armagh Tigers Committee said they were delighted to publish the book, which brings together "some of the most iconic memories and photos from Bertie's illustrious career".

"He is a rally legend and was a great friend to many, whether it was through the sport, his charity work or his business, and this book is a real tribute to him and what truly was a glorious period in the history of Irish rallying," he said.

The book will officially be released at a celebratory dinner at the Armagh City Hotel on March 4, with tickets available to purchase at www.bertiefisher.com