Tributes have been paid to four-time national motorcycle champion and Co Tyrone native Keith Farmer who died suddenly on Thursday aged 35.
The highly successful former rider from Clogher retired in 2021 after more than a decade at the top level of the sport.
Keith’s brother David Farmer announced the news via a social media post, saying: “I’m lost for words our little brother left us at 1.45 this morning with us all by his side.
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“Life will never be the same again, he made us all so proud and he will be very sorely missed.”
Known as the ‘Clogher Bullet’, Farmer won national championship titles in 2011, 2012, 2017 and 2018 in the Superstock 600 and Superstock 1000 classes.
A statement from the Bennetts British Superbike Championship said it was saddened to hear of the former champion’s death.
“Everyone connected with the Bennetts British Superbike Championship is saddened to hear of Keith Farmer’s untimely passing at the age of just 35,” the statement said.
“The ‘Clogher Bullet’ was a multiple title-winner within the Bennetts BSB support classes and was a respected and deeply popular rider across the paddock. He announced his retirement from the sport only last year.
“Keith will be terribly missed by all that had the pleasure of meeting him throughout his career. He was a brilliant and successful rider on track, who will be fondly remembered by his rivals, colleagues and fans following today’s tragic news.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with his friends and family members and in particular his children. Rest in peace Keith.”
DUP MLA for Fermanagh South Tyrone Deborah Erskine said Farmer put the Clogher Valley area on the map with his sporting success.
“We are all in shock and sadness at the death of Keith Farmer. Hearing the news and waking up this morning, there are many of us who were hoping it wasn’t true,” Erskine said.
“Keith put the Clogher Valley area on the map through his racing career as four-time British champion. We are all immensely proud of everything he achieved.
“At this time of grief we remember Keith’s family and friends in our prayers. We send our heartfelt condolences to them.”
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