STORMONT SPORTS minister Edwin Poots has ordered an inquiry into the death of one of Ireland’s most notable motorcyclists during a road race in Co Armagh.
Martin Finnegan (29), a former Manx Grand Prix winner, died on the second lap of the 600cc Supersport race at the Trandragee 100 meeting on Saturday. The rider, from Lusk, Co Dublin, left the course hitting three spectators.
Their injuries are understood not to be life-threatening. The meeting was abandoned after the incident as a mark of respect.
Mr Finnegan’s manager Barry Symmons spoke of his shock at the tragedy.
“He was a really nice guy who was well-respected by his peers and someone with a true talent for road racing.”
“This year he was really looking forward to being on top and riding winning bikes. He was doing what he loved and he was doing it very well,” he told the BBC.
“He rode the MV (Agusta) for us last year and at some considerable personal cost. It is tragic that this has happened.”
Before the accident, the father-of-one had claimed an impressive win in the open race.
“That was his first win on a Yamaha for quite a long time. He was really on top of things and looking forward to the rest of the day,” Mr Symmons said.
Motorcycle Union of Ireland chairman Alan Drysdale described Mr Finnegan as “one of the star riders of recent years”.
Mr Poots said: “The death of Martin Finnegan is a tragic loss for his family and a terrible blow to everyone within road racing in Northern Ireland.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of great loss and sorrow.
“Martin was one of road racing’s top bikers, demonstrated by winning his first race at the Tandragee 100 before the fatal accident.”