Motorsport: Tributes were today being paid to top motorcycle rider Darran Lindsay who was killed in an accident during practice for a road race in north Dublin last night.
The father-of-three was thrown from his machine after colliding with a rider who was slowing down on a straight stretch of the tricky Killalane circuit near Skerries.
Friends described the 35-year-old Co Antrim man as a special rider and a family man who enjoyed life to the full.
Lesley Moore, secretary of Dundrod Racing Club of which Lindsay was a member, paid a glowing tribute to his close friend.
"Darran was a 35-year-old man who had the devilment and enjoyment of a 15-year-old. He was always a happy go lucky chap," he said. "He was special. He was one of the top four riders in the paddock this year."
It is understood three riders were involved in the crash. One rider, who had been leading the practice, raised his hand to slow down as he had a technical problem with his bike.
The rider in second place suddenly swerved to avoid him but Lindsay, who had been riding a close third, had no time to react.
He crashed into the back of the lead rider and was thrown from his machine.
The riders were travelling on a straight stretch of road at around 90-100mph at the time of the collision.
Lindsay was rushed to Beaumont Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.