‘Rest well The Tullyhommon Flyer’ - much sadness at death of Mervyn Johnson

There is much sadness in Pettigo and Tullyhommon following the death of ‘gentleman’ mechanic, former rally driver and Mini enthusiast Mervyn Johnson.

Mervyn passed away on New Year’s Day in the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen, following a short illness. 

His death has been met with a flood of tributes and shared memories from his rallying career and his years in the motor trade. Mervyn’s garage MJ Johnson on the Fermanagh side of the Termon was a familiar landmark for those travelling via Pettigo into Northern Ireland and on the road to Dublin. His great love for Minis was evident in the cars that were often displayed at his garage and on the classic car circuit. 

Mervyn has been described in the Donegal rally fraternity as ‘a great competitor and a gentleman.’ 

He enjoyed much success, and was a four-time Irish Tarmac Rally champion. 

Rally driver Gary McElhinney is among those to pay tribute, saying: “A gentleman, a legend, a genius, an icon, a brilliant engineer, an unbelievable driver, but more importantly an honest genuine man.

“Thank you Mervyn for giving me an opportunity to codrive for you and witness your magic behind the wheel.

“Thank you for being kind and having patience with my boys when we would visit and “Thank you for keeping our Minis running over the years.

“A huge loss to Motorsport, Mini enthusiasts all over and to his family and many friends. 

“Rest well The Tullyhommon Flyer.”

Mervyn is pictured with a classic Mini belonging to Donegal Town’s Niamh Coughlan. 

She said: “A big loss for the world of mini nerds, sorry to hear of Mervyn Johnson’s death. He was an absolute wee gentleman, and what he didn’t know about minis wasn’t worth knowing.”

Mervyn is survived by his beloved wife Sylvia, daughters Tanya and Michele, son Karl, sons-in-law  Neville and David, grandfather of Chloe, Ashley, Hollie, Megan and Amber, great-grandchildren Evie and Alice, and sister Marion. He is predeceased by his brother David.

The funeral will depart from his late residence at Tullyhommon, County Fermanagh on Sunday at 1.30pm for service in Pettigo Methodist Church at 2pm. Private interment will take place in Sydare Cemetery on Monday morning. Friends are welcome at the family home on Friday and Saturday between 2pm and 8pm.

Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Chest, Heart and Stroke or Cancer Focus NI C/O FG McFarland and Sons, Funeral Directors, 49 Letterboy Road, Kesh, BT93 0DF