Irish motorcycle racing suffered a major blow on Saturday when 29-year-old Martin Finnegan from Lusk in the Republic of Ireland, was killed during the Supersport 600 race at the Tandragee Road Racers.

The big man, who was affectionately known as “Finbar”, is a major loss not just to his family, wife Brenda and their small daughter, and wider family circle and friends but also the whole of the motorcycle paddock, especially the Southern Irish fans, for whom Martin Finnegan was a hero. Finnegan was one of only a small handful of Southern Irish riders who race at top in Road Racing. He was their hope for the North West, Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix, however he never reached his full potential.

Ironically, until Saturday he had never won at Tandragee, but only hours before his tragic death he won the Open race, ahead of Ryan Farquhar.

Finnegan was no stranger, either, to the British mainland. Just a few weeks ago he was riding at Brands Hatch in the British Superbike Championship and was due to be a regular visitor to the British paddock as he had been a few years ago when he rode for the Team Ireland Racing who spent a full season in British Championship.

His untimely death was a great shock to all in Irish motorcycle racing and our condolescenes go to his family and friends.