Fr Dick Mohan
The members of the Motorsport community are saddened by the death of our esteemed club member, Fr Dick Mohan on Sunday last. Dick was a member of Monaghan Motor Club from his early years as a teacher in St. Macartan’s College where his enthusiasm sparked the interest in some of the boys in the sport and that interest often stayed with them.
He served on the committee of the club for a number of years until his diocesan duties took him into other areas. He was secretary of the club for a time also, a role where his attention to detail was so evident.
However, it was as a competitor that he will be remembered most. We can recall him compete in full rally mode effective in his Escort RS2000 or his Ford Capri in many Navigation Rallies spread over several years. A number of navigators sat with him to plot their way through the old ½ inch Ordnance Survey maps during these years. Among his navigators were Benny Cadden and Gerry McKenna now deceased, others included Jim Moore, Joe Wedlock and Mervyn Wedlock. Dick’s finishing rate in events was excellent and record shows how he and his various navigators won many class awards.
In addition to all of the above, his presence at and around events brought out many witty and amusing encounters in a sport, by its nature, well removed from the liturgical setting of the sanctuary. His wonderful ability to cultivate friendships widely, together with his great pastoral support, that he is renowned for, will live on in the memory of all who remembered him. Unfortunately for the sport the pressurised nature of his work kept him away in recent years from motorsport activities.
We extend our sympathies to Dick’s family and many friends on his unexpected passing.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
County Monaghan Motor Club 