SHOCK AT DEATH OF CHIEF FLAG MARSHAL

Martin Beare had been with the club since it was first formed in 2008 and was appointed Chief Flag Marshal – a role he carried out in a thoroughly professional manner. He was 55 years old.

Clerk of the Course, Bill Kennedy, described Martin as a gentleman. “He was such a perfectionist and always interested in safety. He continually walked the course, carried out risk assessments and made sure everything was right. The Club has lost a very valued member,” Bill told the Times.

The race meeting this year is on Friday July 26 and July 27 and there will be an air of sadness around the event.

“Of course the races will continue, but we will miss Martin’s contribution.

“When we heard the news we were shocked. There was a sense of disbelief. The Armoy club was part of his life.

“He actually tendered his apologies for a recent meeting saying he had to go to hospital. Little did we think we wouldn’t see him again,” Bill added.

Martin’s father, Herbert, came from Ballymoney and was a highly respected road racer. That fostered Martin’s interest in the sport and his commitment never wavered.

The funeral was attended by many of the Armoy members and Martin, who was from Dunmurry, was buried in the club shirt.

The club extend sympathies to Martin’s wife, Sinead, daughter, Caoimhe and to the family circle.