Greg Shinnors – Danny Creedon Cup Winner 2025

The Danny Creedon Memorial Cup

Awarded to Best CMC Member on the Jim Walsh Cork Forest Rally

Now that the dust has settled on the 2025 Jim Walsh Cork Forest Rally it feels right to pen a few lines as the recipient of the Danny Creedon Memorial – a poignant memorial Cup presented by Danny’s family to the highest placed Cork Motor Club member each year since 2022.

As the event unfolded there was an unspoken dice between reigning national champion Eamonn Creedon (2024 Recipient) & myself. Eamonn was on the notes with Derek Mackarel holding 4th overall while I was on the notes in a similar Fiesta R5 with James Dunphy holding 7th. Following stage 6 (Glenduff) through “Boggeragh” windfarm James said to me “What happened Derek?” I said “What, where?” James replied “They were stopped at the first corner I knew you didn’t see them because you didn’t look up”. I was really disappointed for them not just because we’re all good friends but also because our unspoken battle for Danny’s Cup was effectively over. I didn’t say it to anyone but secretly I wanted us to finish ahead of Derek/ Eamonn & earn the right to have my name on Danny’s cup.

Danny Creedon was taken from us all to soon following a short illness. Danny was a real clubman, sportsman & a friend. He was hardcore & gave a lot back to motorsport. Doing “00” duties on the West Cork Rally was an annual outing however not many know that Danny was always one of the first people to turn up to help with the “PR” 6 – 8 weeks before the rally. Danny was a regular competitor on the Forest Championship with his clubman Impreza – his witty manner was infectious.

I clerked the 2015 1000 Shakes Night Nav (some might remember it as the night of the heavy snow) we were getting tight on marshals when Danny unexpectedly appeared in the hall. Without any fuss he took on a critical time-point. When we arrived at his location I couldn’t see Danny, for a second, I thought he might not have made it, to his credit he had parked his blue scudo van blocking a lane which was “PR sensitive” to ensure no competitors went up there.

In 2018 I clerked the 1000 Shakes again this time it was passing Danny’s door. Danny was one of the unsung heroes of the event very quietly helping in the back-round. In fact, it was the only Saturday night that month that he made sure he was not working. Anytime I rang Danny he would answer “How’s Greg” in his droll manner & straight away I knew whatever issue I needed him to sort wouldn’t be a problem! The next thing I would get was a call saying “that’s sorted”. We had tea in his house one Sunday while setting out the route, you couldn’t but enjoy his company/ hospitality – I treasure that memory.

Following Danny’s passing I recently had the opportunity to buy his gravel wheels from his family. I cherished the chance to have a some of Danny’s spares package live on in my own autocross Impreza so I jumped at it.

I received a lovely message from Eamonn Creedon within half an hour of receiving Danny’s Cup “Well done on winning the Danny Creedon Cup Greg. I hope it sits on your mantlepiece as proudly as it did on mine”.

It’s a privilege to receive such a coveted award, to get my name on it & to be part of the roll of honour ensuring Danny Creedon’s memory lives on. While Danny was taken all too soon, he will not be forgotten.

I would to thank Cork Motor Club for running a safe, successful & enjoyable rally, Danny’s family for the presentation & James Dunphy for taking me on the event.

Thank you.

Regards,

Greg Shinnors.