Motorsport Community Mourns the Loss of Johnny Crehan
The Irish rallying community is in mourning this week following the passing of John (Johnny) Crehan, who died peacefully surrounded by his family at St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown.
Late of Waynestown, Dunboyne, and Kilbreena Estate, Johnny was a deeply respected and popular figure across service parks nationwide. Known for his technical expertise, jovial nature, and dedication to the sport, he leaves behind a lasting legacy in Irish motorsport.
The following tribute to Johnny has been written by his close friend, Marty McGarrity:
Johnny Crehan – An Appreciation
By Marty McGarrity
If you knew Johnny, you had to class yourself as privileged in life. If you made friends with Johnny, you were blessed with a friend for life. He was a larger-than-life character and the most down-to-earth man anyone could ever wish to meet.
The terms “legend” and “superstar” are often overused, but when it came to Johnny, you simply couldn’t use them often enough. Anyone who ever came in contact with him—be it at a rally, in the service area, ringside at a boxing match, or any other sporting occasion—thoroughly enjoyed his jovial manner within minutes of his company. That, combined with his full-on, craic-and-banter outlook on life, made it clear where the “legend” tag came from.
The stories that will be shared over the coming days, weeks, and months will remember a gentle giant who lived for the craic, rallying, and his family. Some of those stories—often stored under secure memory bank codenames like Isle of Man Heels, Ulster Rally Mini Moto, or the Cork 20 Hire Car—will remain strictly on tour! But no matter what memory we share, it is one of glee and joy. When Johnny was around, it was 110% full-on fun. There was never a dull moment with his quick wit, endless stories, and genuine friendship.
We all have heroes, and meeting them is always a standout moment. For Johnny, one of those moments came at the 2022 Killarney Historic Rally, when he got to tow the late Craig Breen in after his famous ex-Frank Meagher Sierra Cosworth broke down. Johnny being Johnny wasn’t going to leave Craig and Paul Nagle stranded; with his “let’s get it done” attitude, it wasn’t long before the big Sierra was hooked up behind his little Škoda Fabia. Let’s hope Craig has the tow rope out for you on your final journey, bud.
The term superstar also belonged to Johnny because when it came to turning spanners, nobody was more dedicated or specialized. Perfection was his middle name. No task was a problem so long as it kept a car in the rally and running at peak performance.
Johnny serviced on countless rallies over the years. He was an integral part of the SMS (Smyth Motorsport) crew that successfully ran Alan Nesbitt to runner-up in Group N in the 2005 Irish Tarmac Championship, and he also spent time working alongside Tom Gahan. More recently, Johnny took great pride in servicing and mentoring J1000 competitor Darragh McEnroe. The young VW Up driver is an up-and-coming star of the future, and we can only hope the values installed by Johnny live on through Darragh as part of his legacy.
We will all dearly miss that big, hearty laugh and smile from ear to ear. You were a hero in your own right to your wife Sandra and your children Tori, Dylan, Katie, and Shauna. From your multitude of friends across the length and breadth of the country, we pass on our heartfelt condolences to all of your family.
Fly high, Johnny. You were a true friend, a scholar, and a gentleman. May your gentle soul eternally rest in peace.
Funeral Arrangements
John (Johnny) Crehan, Kilbreena Estate and late of Waynestown, Dunboyne, Co. Meath.
Predeceased by his parents Johnny and Kathleen, brother Gerard, sister Lorraine, brother-in-law Sean, and father-in-law Gerry McNally.
Johnny will be sadly missed by his wife Sandra; children Tori, Dylan, Katie, and Shauna; granddaughters Elsie and Fiadh; partners Craig and Patryk; brothers Thomas and Aidan; sisters Helen, Catherine, Deirdre, and Elaine; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended relatives, and a wide circle of friends.
- Reposing: At his sister Catherine’s residence, Batterstown (A86 YA24), from 11:00 AM on Thursday.
- Funeral Mass: Friday at 11:00 AM in SS Peter and Paul’s Church, Dunboyne (available via church livestream), followed by burial in Rooske Cemetery.
- Donations: Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown.
Kerry Motorsport News 