THE sporting community around the North West has been left saddened following the passing of the much-loved Austin Frazer.
Formerly of Lough Shore Road in Enniskillen, Mr Frazer passed away yesterday (Thursday) peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Mr Frazer was a leading figure in Irish rallying, working alongside some of rallying greats, including his fellow Fermanagh county-man Bertie Fisher.
He was very well known in Donegal and was a leading figure in the Donegal International Rally over many years. A former Clerk of the Course, he also enjoyed notable successes as a co-driver during the 1970s and ‘80s.
The organisation took to social media today to pay their own tribute:
“We were very saddened to hear of the passing of Austin Frazer.
“Austin was instrumental in putting the Donegal Rally on the map as one of the best events in Europe right from the start.
“As Clerk of the Course he set standards that others had to follow. To win the rally as a competitor gave him great joy alongside Billy Coleman in 1977. To then win it again alongside his good friend Bertie Fisher in 1987 was superb.
“Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP Austin.”
‘This Is Irish Rallying’ paid a heartfelt tribute to Mr Frazer on Facebook this afternoon.
“Another Irish Rallying great meets his maker. A well known figure who called the notes for well over three decades and sat in beside some big names such as Cathal Curley, Billy Coleman, Bertie Fisher, Mervyn Johnston and many more,” they posted.
Mr Frazer was a long-serving co-driver for Bertie Fisher, enjoying many memorable moments together, including the historic Ulster Rally victory in 1982.
Ballinamallard United Football Club has also paid tribute to Mr Frazer, calling him a ‘giant in motor sport’.
“We are deeply sorry to learn of the death of Austin Frazer, father of our Reserve Team Assistant Manager, Nigel,” they said in a Facebook post.
“Austin was a giant in motor sport, not just in Fermanagh but throughout Ireland, having been co-pilot for Cathal Curley, Bertie Fisher and many more.”
Mr Frazer is survived by his wife Doreen and son Nigel (Gail).
The funeral service will take place in Enniskillen Presbyterian Church on Sunday at 2pm, followed by burial in Cross Cemetery.
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