There has been shock across the local area and across Northern Ireland following the sudden death of Keith Farmer, one of Northern Ireland’s top motorcyclists.

Keith (35) from Clogher, Co Tyrone was a four-time British champion. He retired from racing in 2021. 

Among his many accolades, Farmer won the National Superstock 600 title in 2011 and National Superstock 1000cc successes followed in 2012 and 2018, while he also won the British Supersport title in 2017.

During his career, the Northern Ireland rider competed for some of the most prominent teams in the BSB paddock, including the Paul Bird Motorsport team, Buildbase Suzuki and TAS Racing.

As well as participating in the BSB support championships, Farmer also raced regularly in the feature British Superbike series.

Keith was the 2018 winner of the Impartial Reporter Celebration of Sport Senior Sports Personality of the Year.

There has been an outpouring of grief on social media from fellow motorcyclists and those who knew him.

Stuart Higgs, Series and Race Director of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship was among the first to pay tribute.

Others to pay tribute included Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine.