Ballymena Bike Racing Ace Killed

Popular racer Victor Gilmore, a father-of-three, lost his life through injuries sustained in a high-speed crash at the weekend's Killalane Road Races.

A joiner by trade, Mr Gilmore grew up in Riverdale, Tullygarley attending Camphill Primary and Ballee High school. He moved to Dungannon before settling in Ballymoney with his family.

He still has close associations with Ballymena and is survived by two children from his first marriage and a baby girl born earlier this year to his current partner.

Mr Gilmore, known widely by his nickname 'Happy' had already competed in the 250cc and Open class when tragedy struck on Sunday, a marshal was also injured in the collision during the 600cc race.

Gilmore was a very experienced racer having competed in races at the Isle of Man TT, different races in UK and Ireland and across Europe.

He entered his first race at Nutts Corner in 1996. He won the Clubmans short circuit championship three years later and developed into a regular top six finisher at national road level.

SDLP North Antrim MLA Declan O'Loan said: "I would like to extend my sympathies and the sympathies of those I represent to the Gilmore family and the wider sporting fraternity in the area following the sad passing at the weekend.

"It must be extremely difficult for them at this time and my thoughts and prayers are with Mr Gilmore's loved ones."

A statement issued by the race organisers said: "It is with great sadness that the Loughshinny Motorcycle Club confirms that Victor Gilmore from Ballymoney, father of Craig, Jodie, Nicole and son of Jim and Mabel succumbed to injuries sustained in an racing incident during the 600cc event. He will be dearly missed by his family, team and the road racing family."

During last year's Armoy road races an elderly spectator, 75-year-old Hill McCook, was killed after being hit by Gilmore's machine following a crash at the circuit, an inquest into the death was due to open this week.

Mr Gilmore's funeral service will be held in Wellington Presbyterian Church, Ballymena, on Thursday, September 16, with interment afterwards at Bushvale Presbyterian Church burying ground, Stranocum.