Jordan to race in memory of uncle Stephen

THE nephew of a Gilford motorcyclist killed during a race last summer said he is determined to ride his motorbike in memory of his beloved uncle.

Jordan Greir’s uncle Stephen Larkin died just hours after being injured in a crash at the Kells Road Races in Meath last July.

The 27-year-old father-of-three was fatally injured after the wheel of his CBR 600 Honda - a Christmas present from his family two

years before - clipped the kerb during a practice race at Kells.

He was rushed to the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died a short time later from severe internal injuries.

But now 11-year-old Jordan is training for a bright future in circuit racing, and hopes to honour his uncle’s memory in the process.

Jordan’s mum Tina said the sight of her son on a bike earlier this month - the first time any of the family had been on a bike since Stephen’s death - was an emotional one.

“I had to walk away because I was in tears seeing him on the bike,” Tina told the Leader. “My dad shed a few tears watching him too. It was a nervous time for us all.”

The decision to give Jordan permission to ride was not an easy one, Tina said.

“After Stephen’s death I didn’t want my son anywhere near a bike but he has grown up with bikes, he loves racing and he’s just like his uncle in many ways.

“He has Stephen’s racing number 153 on his bike because he told me his uncle Stephen will keep him safe.”

And now the Larkin family have decided to devote their efforts to raising money for the Injured Riders Fund which, this year, is being dedicated to the memory of Stephen.

“We’ve benefited from the fund before and we know how necessary it is,” said Tina. “They get all their money from donations and we wanted to do something special to help this year. So far we’ve had loads of interest from people looking sponsor forms and wanting to take part in the event in May.”

The sponsored walk and cycle will be held in Tandragee circuit on May 1. The event will begin at Moyrourkan Orange Hall at 1.45pm for a 2pm start. Refreshments will be available for everyone on their return.