Obituary: John Durkin 1932-2015

Obituary: John Durkin 1932-2015

It is with great sadness we report John Durkin passed away peacefully at his home in Lincolnshire on January 27, aged 82.

John loved motorcycle sports and for many he was the face of MCN – back in the late 1970’s through early 80’s – running the famous MCN Cinema Roadshow, film nights held up and down the country in small theatres, auditoriums and community centres and attended by thousands over the years.

In those days it was the only way to see motorcycle sport and the films made about the Isle of Man TT, speedway and the early days of US Supercross. 

John was a great friend of road racing legend Joey Dunlop, one of his fondest memories was of being on the start line of the TT with Joey who he greatly admired. His daughter Carole remembers John often talking about it and reliving the memories.

John had a great many friends in the motorcycling sport and industry and he lived most of his life involved in racing including the TT, speedway and short circuit circuit.

He was well-known at the race-circuits during the 1980s throughout the UK, Ireland and on the Isle of Man with his Jajac Sports trade stand selling Duke Marketing videos, promotional souvenirs and motorcycle leathers going on to sponsor several riders, while he continued running MCN’s Cinema Roadshow. When not on the tarmac, John was running speedway promotions at Sunderland, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Hull and Berwick.

John spent several years fighting off cancer but suffered from a recent small illness and passed away with his family by his side 27th January 2015 aged 82.

Rest in peace John.