Funeral details announced for motorcycle racer who died following accident at Tandragee 100

Olivia Kelleher

Funeral details have been announced for Cork rider James Walsh who died in hospital on Friday having been transferred onsite following an accident at the Tandragee 100 motorcycle race in Co Armagh last weekend.

Walsh of Coolvallanane Beg, Kinsale; Skibbereen, Co Cork and Douglas, Cork city died at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

He crashed in the Senior Support race last Saturday, June 27th, and was taken to hospital by air ambulance.

He had won the Junior Support race just hours before his accident. Organ donation followed his death.

The North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club (Tarmac Section Ltd) which organises the event described Walsh as a “truly valued member” of their racing community.

They offered their sympathy to his family whilst thanking the Motorcycle Union of Ireland, Ulster Centre Medical Team, the air ambulance crew and the medical staff who “fought so hard to save him.”

The West Cork Motorcycle Club said that Walsh was much admired for his skill and determination on the track.

“But it was away from the racing that James truly left his mark. His warm smile, kind nature, and infectious sense of humour made him someone everyone looked forward to seeing in the paddock.

"He was always willing to lend a hand, offer advice, or simply have a chat, whether you were a lifelong friend or a rival competitor.

"James was a much-loved member of our club and a friend to so many. His presence brought people together, and his loss will be deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

"He will be remembered not only for his achievements in racing but for the kindness, generosity, and genuine friendship he showed to everyone around him."

Liam and James Chawke, of Chawkie Racing, posted on social media that Walsh was “not only a talented competitor but a much loved friend.”

“Everyone at Chawkie Racing is devastated. James was so much more than an exceptional motorcycle racer, he was one of life's true gentlemen.

"He had a huge personality, a warm smile, and a way of making everyone feel welcome. Whether you knew him for years or had only met him once, you couldn't help but admire the kind, genuine person he was.”

Racer Baylon McCaughey described Walsh as a “genuinely lovely” man who always had a smile for everyone he met. He said that his friend had never even had a chance to celebrate his win earlier that day in the junior race.

“Road racing was James’s passion. Despite coming all the way from Cork, the long journeys never dampened his enthusiasm.

"James had one major dream: the Manx Grand Prix. Last year a slip during his opening lap of practice cut his week short but James was determined to return this year to achieve his dream. Heartbreakingly, he will never get to fulfil that dream.”

James Walsh is survived by his mother Geraldine, partner Claire O’Shea and her family, his eight aunts and uncles and their extended family and a large circle of loyal friends.

He will lie in repose at Gabriel and O’Donovan’s Funeral Home in Kinsale on Sunday from 5pm with prayers at 7pm.

Removal will follow from his residence on Monday morning to St Patrick's Cathedral, Skibbereen for requiem mass at noon.

Burial will follow at St Patrick’s Cemetery in Coronea, Skibbereen. The mass will be live-streamed.