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A sad farewell to Bertie Fisher Story by Colin Courtney - 07 February 2001. January 21st 2001 will always be one of the blackest days of Irish Rallying. The only day blacker would be January 22nd. On Sunday the 21st, the family of Bertie Fisher, multiple Tarmac Champion, were involved in a helicopter crash, which killed Bertie's son Mark, and daughter Emma instantly. The following day Bertie died of injuries caused during the crash. In one weekend probably the greatest rally driver in Irish history, and one of the country's brightest hopes were gone. When the tributes poured in, it only enhanced what everyone already knew - that Bertie was very highly regarded in rallying circles, not only in Ireland, but worldwide as well. Both Malcolm Wilson and David Richards spoke very highly of him, and arrived at the huge funeral in Ballinamallard the following Thursday. Jimmy and Colin McRae also paid tribute, along with 1981 World Champion Ari Vatanen. Bertie enjoyed epic battles with both McRaes and toppled Jimmy's record of the highest number of Tarmac victories by one driver. His achievements spoke for themselves; four Tarmac Championships, four Ulster rally wins, six victories in Killarney, two in the Circuit of Ireland, four in Donegal and 20 individual Tarmac Championship rally wins. How ironic it is then that he had just bought a new Subaru Impreza WRC for the 2001 season, when he was going all out for another Tarmac Championship. As I write this story it is still hard to come to terms with what has happened. When I arranged with Shane to cover rallying for the Car Enthusiast I never thought that the third story I would be writing would be tribute to one of my all time rally heros, Bertie Fisher. I never knew Bertie personally, but had spoken to him on numerous occasions. The first time I took a photograph of him in competition was on the Circuit of Ireland 1995. I was so proud of one particular picture, that I got it blown up and asked him to sign it for me at Lurgan Park a couple of months later. He stood and talked to me for around twenty minutes before signing the print, and he struck me as a very down to earth person, never too busy to sign an autograph, or to answer questions from inquisitive spectators - a real gentleman. The picture since that day has been framed and has hung in my bedroom ever since, and there it shall stay in pride of place. I only started following rallies from 1994 after gaining my driving licence, coming from a football orientated family I only got to see two or three rallies personally before this time, but I had followed rallying with great interest on television from an early age. I first remember seeing Bertie in competition in 1981 on television winning the Ulster rally, his first international victory in a Mark II Escort. I watched him progress through the Ascona and Manta, to the BMW M3, on to the Ford Sierra Cosworths and Subaru Legacy before taking to the stages myself to witness the action at first hand. The first car I saw him compete in was the first Impreza he drove on the 1994 Ulster rally. I only saw him on one stage, he rolled out of the rally two corners later, but that was enough to get me hooked on the sport. Over the next few years I shared his joy at the first Circuit victory, the fourth Tarmac Championship and the record number of Tarmac Championship victories. I shared his disappointment at being so close to winning the Manx for the first time, and never quite managing it. I was at the corner in 1995 where his transmission failed him when a certain victory was there for the taking, and in 1996 when his engine expired while leading Armin Schwarz. In the previous seven years he had led the Manx six times. And I marvelled at his exceptional car control, incredibile bravery over jumps and total commitment in the corners. It is true to say I am a huge fan of his. Over the years he gave me some fantastic memories, some of which I will never forget. One in particular which stands out in my mind was on the Circuit of Ireland in 1998. It was a cold, wintery Saturday morning not far from Dungannon. We had stood at a jump we had found recceing the stages a few days beforehand. There was snow in places but the road was wet. Bertie's silver Subaru Impreza (R555 FEL) appeared over the horizon and made its way towards us. The road snaked left and right before disapearing out of sight. The Subaru was burbling on the rev limiter the whole way down the road before disappearing from view. All of a sudden it reappeared over the brow, flying through the air,engine snarling, spray kicking up behind it. The car flew for what seemed an eternity, landed beyond where we stood, took the small right-left flick further up the road at great speed, before turning 90 right and disappearing out of sight, the crackling of the Subaru gradually fading into the distance. We were stunned. That's what made Bertie one of the greatest Irish drivers of all time, the ease in which he seemed to drive the cars he competed in, and the pleasure he gave to so many. He will never be forgotten by those who witnessed his skill. I'm sure everyone extends their deepest sympathies to the Fisher family on the loss of Bertie, and his son Mark and daughter Emma, and wish his wife Gladys, and other son Roy a full and speedy recovery from their injuries. Bertie, thanks for the memories, and may you rest in peace. Bertie Fisher (1950 - 2001) - Roll of Honour
1982 - Ulster Rally - Ford Escort MkII Colin Courtney's high-quality photographs may be viewed and bought on his own site, here.
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