Tributes to biker killed in Cullybackey crash

John McCrory, who was involved in a collision on March 17, is the first motorcyclist to lose his life on the province’s roads this year and is the seventh roads fatality of 2010.

It is understood he had been travelling the short distance from his home to get petrol for his motorbike when the accident happened.

A police spokesman said that, at this stage, it is understood that the deceased's motorcycle was the only vehicle involved in the collision which was reported at around 5.15pm on St Patrick’s Day.

Mr McCrory worked as an electrician for JBE Building Services, and before he died he was working on a new extension to Gallagher’s tobacco factory in Ballymena.

DUP Ballymena councillor Paul Frew worked with him. He said all the workers were shocked by the accident.

“I could hardly believe it when I heard it was him,” he said.

“He was very into his motorbikes. Everyone is shocked and very sad by his death... He was a quiet big fella who just kept his head down and got on with his work."

DUP Cullybackey councillor Tommy Nicholl said "The whole of Cullybackey is in shock, it's just so tragic. There's nothing more we can do for the family, other than let them know that we're praying for them."

North Antrim MLA Ian Paisley jnr called the death “an awful tragedy” and said his sympathy was with Mr McCrory’s family.

Also expressing his sympathy to the teenager’s family, SDLP North Antrim MLA Declan O'Loan, said: “All deaths on our roads are tragic, and that of a young person is all the more so.

“This will have been heartbreaking news for the family and the thoughts of the entire local community are with them.

"Despite the very welcome news that there was not a single road death in February, our roads are still very dangerous places and all road users must be very aware of their responsibilities."

John's funeral service was held on Sunday in Ballymena Free Presbyterian Church with interment afterwards in Cullybackey New Cemetery.

He will be missed by his parents, William and Sandra, sister Julie, his wider family circle and close friends.