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The Classic Episode 1 | Champion | The Neil Shanahan story

Why did we call our Neil Shanahan documentary Champion? The reason is quite simple and it's all t...



The Classic Episode 1 | Champi...
Other Sports

The Classic Episode 1 | Champion | The Neil Shanahan story

Why did we call our Neil Shanahan documentary Champion?

The reason is quite simple and it's all to do with his first name. The name 'Neil' has a number of meanings as Gaeilge. But one meaning is 'Champion' and it is why his parents gave him that name.

It was a prophetic decision as well because he would become a champion in later life. In 1997, he won the Formula Ford 1600 Championship and followed that up the following year with a Formula Ford Zetec title.

They weren't just title wins either. He dominated those championships in imperious fashion, also winning the prestigious Sexton Trophy for Driver of the Year in both of those years. The first Sexton Trophy win after 1997 saw him become the youngest winner of the prize. And to retain it was simply stunning.


Sadly, Neil would pass away after a crash at Oulton Park during the fifth round of the British Formula Ford Championship, weeks shy of his 20th birthday.

Documentary


Champion is co-produced by 'The Classic' series producer Eoin Brennan and I, and tells the story of his life and details what happened on that fateful final day. As a motor-racing fan since chilhdood, I had initially learned about Neil's story back around 2012 or 2013 when looking at Irish connections to Formula 1. It's a story that had stayed with me since then. I began the interview and research process in late 2018 with a number of contributors.

At the heart of the documentary are Neil's parents Mary and Liam, who showed remarkable bravery and dignity in speaking about a difficult and emotive subject. I also spoke to Neil's manager Mick Merrigan, who had regarded his young protege to be like a son.

Other contributors were his PR manager Oisin O'Briain, broadcaster John Kenny, racing peer Philip Kehoe and Motorsport.ie's Leo Nulty. All knew Neil during his life and shared friendships with him.

You can listen to the full Champion documentary about Neil Shanahan's life here or on the podcast player:

The Classic Episode 1 | Champion | The Neil Shanahan story

00:00:00 / 00:00:00

Champion, the story of Neil Shanahan's life, is Episode 2 of Off The Ball's new series 'The Classic'. Raf Diallo and Eoin Brennan co-produced the documentary and Motorsport.ie's Leo Nulty narrated it. Sound design was by Newstalk's Neil Kavanagh.

Episode 1 is Brawl and is available to listen to here.

And we also have two more that will play on October 20th and 27th respectively, by Shane Hannon and Eoin Brennan.


Read more about

Eoin Brennan Formula 1 Formula Ford John Kenny Leo Nulty Mick Merrigan Motorsport Neil Shanahan Off The Ball Oisin O'Briain Oulton Park Philip Kehoe Raf Diallo The Classic