Death mourned of Donegal motorsport icon PJ Wilhare

There is deep sadness following the death of PJ Wilhare - the Cranford man who gave his name to one of the famous corners in the Donegal Rally.

Late of Woodquarter, Cranford, PJ passed away at the Donegal Hospice on Wednesday, April 30.

Wilhare’s Corner is known the world over on the Knockalla stage of the Donegal Rally and also featuring as part of the Knockalla Hillclimb.

Michael Kelly, the Kerrykeel man and former Knockalla Hillclimb Clerk of the Court, has reacted with sadness following the death of a friend and an icon of motorsport in Donegal.

Michael visited PJ before the 50th anniversary of the Knockalla Hillclimb to hear the story of how Irish motorsport’s most famous corner was christened. PJ and Phonsie McElwee were later present to wave the cards off for the 50th anniversary run.

On August 29, 1970 on the fifth run and final day of the first ever Knockalla Hillclimb, PJ Wilhare was at the wheel of a Firecrest. Only three of the cars were ever built - and PJ Wilhare owned two of them.

The car, a Mini-based shell with a fibreglass body, was built by Lincoln & Nolan at Baggot Street Dublin and serviced by Tommy Byrne.

The 1293cc full race engine roared into action and an estimated 10,000 spectators were wedged on the now iconic stage on Knockalla.

The crash occurred at around 5pm and PJ was taken to Letterkenny hospital, where he spent six weeks recovering from injuries. Three trophies - for fastest in his class, fastest in the modified sports and quickest Donegal Motor Club member - which he won before his crash were delivered to his hospital bed.

His recovery took nine months and the next year he was back in an ex-Robert Ward GT Cortina at the Rally of the Rosses in July 1971.

PJ Wilhare’s death is deeply regretted by his loving partner Madeline, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, and extended family.

His funeral will take place at St John the Baptist, Carrigart on Saturday at 11m, followed by private cremation at Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.

A spokesperson for the Donegal International Rally said: “It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of PJ Wilhare, anyone who every meet PJ came away from the conversation with a great sense of having meet a man who loved life and had such energy. 

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“Not many drivers have a corner that is named after them but Wilhare’s is a name that is known beyond Donegal. Deepest condolences to his family and friends.”