I became motor journalist almost by accident '“ now gong is a total surprise

My motoring journalism started almost by accident.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Dec 2018, 06:00 BST
Updated 10th Jan 2019, 11:07 BST
Ian Lynas was given the trophy on December 3 in recognition of his long service as a motoring writer, having worked as one as a full-time professional since 1987. He is pictured (right) with Arthur Jolley, RAIB archive chairIan Lynas was given the trophy on December 3 in recognition of his long service as a motoring writer, having worked as one as a full-time professional since 1987. He is pictured (right) with Arthur Jolley, RAIB archive chair
Ian Lynas was given the trophy on December 3 in recognition of his long service as a motoring writer, having worked as one as a full-time professional since 1987. He is pictured (right) with Arthur Jolley, RAIB archive chair

I was keen on motor sport and a local driver, Ronnie White from Moy, was enjoying success in rallying but never seemed to receive any, or very little, press coverage.

So I approached the editor of The Ulster Gazette and he insisted that I should send in copy and a picture. This I did, and I was delighted to see my stories in print. This I did for several months and then, out of the blue, I got a call from Motor Month – an Irish-based car magazine – and I was appointed the Northern Ireland correspondent.

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Further magazines approached me and I at last was involved in journalism full time.

Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

Down the years apart from covering general motoring and motor sport which has taken me to such places as South Korea, South Africa, the US and most European countries I have written on motoring re: times past.

I was totally surprised to be awarded the Royal Irish Automobile Club Reynolds Trophy this month – all the more as I was the first from Northern Ireland.

Ian Lynas, Portadown, motoring writer (including for the News Letter)

Related topics:Northern IrelandPortadown