This week marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic deaths of Bertie Fisher and his children Mark and Emma.
In January 2001, the Fisher family were returning from a weekend in Ashford Castle in Mayo where they were celebrating the 50th birthday of Gladys Fisher, when their helicopter tragically crashed in Monea.
Bertie, who was piloting the helicopter which he had acquired 18 months before for business use, passed away at the Erne Hospital in Enniskillen, one day after the crash.
His children, Mark (27) and Emma (26), died at the scene, while Gladys and her son Rory (23) were seriously injured, spending several weeks in hospital in Belfast for treatment for their injuries.
The incident sent shockwaves across the country, with the Fisher family renowned for providing vast employment in the local Fermanagh area, along with their unwavering commitment to motorsport.
For over three decades, Bertie was one of the top drivers in Ireland. He was a four-time winner of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship in 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1996 with more than twenty international victories.
He was especially revered in Donegal where he performed superbly for many years.
Bertie won the Donegal International Rally in 1987 in an Opel Manta 400 alongside Austin Frazer.
He came back and claimed the top prize again in 1992, 1993, and 1995 with Rory Kennedy as his co-driver.
Fondly remembered
Andrew Nesbitt from Armagh, who’s recognised as one of the top drivers in Ireland, was a close friend of the Fisher family, having raced against Bertie for many years.
Mr Nesbitt remembered Bertie for his “natural charisma and confidence” which made a much-loved figure in motorsport circles.
“Away from the stages, Bertie was an even bigger character. He was so much fun to be around and well fit to let his hair down and be the life and soul of the party,” Mr Nesbitt remembered.
“He had a natural charisma and confidence that made him stand out from the crowd – in life, in business and in his sport, an example to us all on how to conduct yourself.”
Casting his mind back to January 2001, Mr Nesbitt said the crash which claimed the lives of the three Fermanagh residents was ‘devastating for everyone.’
“The accident was devastating for everyone, all of Bertie’s extended family and his many friends,” said Mr Nesbitt.
“The way the rally family gathered to pay their respects to Bertie, Mark and Emma showed the high regard in which they were held.
“I can still remember so clearly the sense of loss etched in everyone’s faces that you met in those dark days, a truly awful time.
“Mark was on the cusp of greatness. I believe he was destined for the very top. We had a great battle with Mark and Gordon Noble on the Isle of Man in 2000.
“He was starting to show his pace on the world scene as he stepped up to drive with the Peugeot World Rally.”
Community support
While best known for his exploits behind the wheel, Bertie was one of Fermanagh’s top businessman, with Fisher Engineering providing major employment for many in the county.
Ballinamallard United held a special place in the heart of the Fisher family, who provided the land for the development of a 3G pitch at the club grounds, suitably named Fisher Park.
The family were also deeply committed to supporting the community, with Emma, who died in the accident, spending a lot of time providing charitable help and support to people in India and Africa.
It’s in Emma’s memory that her family formed the Fisher Foundation which continues to offer significant support to volunteers preparing to travel overseas.
The non-profit organisation has distributed more than £500,000 to people in the North West, who embodied the spirit of the late Emma Fisher by helping those in need abroad.
Fermanagh Trust, in a statement released on the 25th anniversary of the crash, said they are ‘honoured to help carry forward this legacy.’
“Their legacy has continued through the work of the Fisher Foundation, which reflects Bertie and Mark’s passion for rallying and motorsport safety and Emma’s commitment to voluntary service overseas,” they said.
“Through the bursary awards, many individuals have been supported to pursue opportunities in their chosen fields.
“As administrators of the Fisher Foundation, Fermanagh Trust is honoured to help carry forward this legacy and we remember Bertie, Mark and Emma.”
