Race Death Tragedy Probed

A motorcycle road race event that was being staged for the first time has ended in tragedy.

A spectator, Hill McCook Snr, aged 75, was watching the race from an apparently safe raised bank when he was hit by a motorcycle which had crashed on the Ballycastle Road.

It happened on the Dean's Rise part of the course during the second lap of the Grand Final race at about 4.30pm.

Horrified spectators watched as the bike left the road, crashing into a tree before hitting Mr McCook.

The rider of the motorcycle that crashed and a second spectator were also hurt. Their injuries were not serious.

The victim - a keen racing fan - lived in Armoy and came from a large family, which is well known in the north Antrim area. He was the youngest in a family of 21 children.

It emerged today that Mr McCook's son, Alex, who was also attending the inaugural 'Armoy Armada' road-racing event holds no ill feeling.

"We would not want this to hang over the Armoy Motor Racing Club and would like the race to continue next year," he said.

"Unfortunately my dad is not going to be there, but hopefully I will."

However, a local MLA has backed a full investigation into the incident.

As the PSNI and Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) yesterday began an inquiry into the crash, North Antrim SDLP MLA Declan O'Loan said it was another tragedy for the sport.

"Motorcycle racing on ordinary roads is inherently dangerous," he said.

"There must be a full and transparent inquiry into what happened at Armoy.

"We need to know if such an accident can be prevented and ensure, as far as possible, that nothing like this happens again," he said.

The Mayor of Ballymoney Council, Alderman Frank Campbell, commented: "It's very sad news. My thoughts go out to the dead man's family."

Mr McCook was at the racing event with his friend, Raymond McMullan, who was also injured in the same incident - but was released from hospital yesterday.

Both men were watching the racing at the Dean's Rise part of the course, a perceived safe viewing point given that is 15 feet above road level.

DUP MLA Mervyn Storey, who also knew the retired labourer well, described Mr McCook as "one of life's characters".

"He always had a smile and a welcome and would never have gone past you without stopping for a chat," he said.

"I would extend my sincere sympathy to the family and assure them of our thoughts and prayers at this trying time."

The Stormont Sports Minister Nelson McCausland has both expressed his sympathy to the family and friends of the victim and set up an investigation.

"I have asked my officials to urgently prepare a report on the accident at Armoy races for my attention," he said, today.

"I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr Hill McCook.

"This fatal accident is devastating news for all involved in the Armoy races and I am very saddened by this news," he commented.

(BMcC/JM)