A bike rider has been killed at the Kells road races in County Meath.
Young Northern Ireland competitor Jack Oliver from Limavady died following a fatal accident during Sunday’s Supersport race.
The meeting, which was the first national road race event held in the Republic of Ireland since 2019, was abandoned.
On Facebook, Robbie Oliver - Jack’s brother - confirmed the tragic news.
He wrote: “As some may have heard, our wee rocket has gained his angel wings at Kells road races doing what he loved best. I am sure that big grin was on full display!
“I honestly have no words. Can I ask that you all can give my mother and father some space at this time and no phone calls please
“EVERYONE DIES, NOT EVERYONE LIVES.
“Ride high my brother I’ll always love you.”
Tributes have been flooding in for Oliver who fell in love with motorbikes at an early age and was tipped for a bright future after impressing in his early years in the sport.
The 22-year-old secured a memorable podium finish in his road racing debut at the Armoy Road Races back in August, taking runners-up spot in the Sunflower Trophy.
He went on to claim his first Irish road racing win at the Cookstown 100 in April.
On Twitter, @HardyBreed wrote: “Jack Oliver was the rider I was most excited about in the future of national road racing.
“He was so naturally talented, absolutely loved it and had such a supportive family.
“When any rider is killed, it’s horrendous but Jack was so young with so much life left to live. Heart breaking.”
