Tragic accident claims life of local motorcyclist

Tributes have been paid this week to the 32-year-old local man who was killed at a motorbike racing event in county Meath on Saturday last. Padraig Campbell, an Athlone native who was living in Moate, was described by friends as a very good-natured and friendly person. He died instantly when the Kawasaki bike he was riding crashed during a practice lap on the Crossakiel circuit in Kells at 5.45pm on Saturday last. He had been preparing to compete in the junior 400cc support event at the Kells Road Races. The organisers considered cancelling the weekend event, but decided not to when the Campbell family indicated that it was not what Padraig would have wanted. "It was the express wishes of the family that the races went ahead on Sunday," said race secretary Aileen Ferguson. "It was a hard call for us to make, but the family insisted they go ahead in Padraig's memory." The tragedy was second motorbike racing fatality in the space of six days, after Tyrone rider Andrew Neill was killed at the Walderstown Races the previous Sunday. An electrician by trade, Padraig was originally from Clonbrusk in Athlone. He lived in Dublin for a number of years before returning to the midlands to build his house in Fearmore, Moate. A fellow Moate resident and close friend of his, Aidan Heavin, said that Padraig was extremely dedicated to racing and to motor bikes. He was a member of Westmeath's Fore Motor Cycle Racing Club, had been involved in track racing for three years, and was in his second year of road racing. Aidan Heavin had been planning to travel up to last weekend's races in Meath on Sunday before hearing the tragic news. "I just couldn't believe it. It's hard to believe that he's gone," said Aidan. He described Padraig as "a very jolly person who loved the craic and was a good friend." Another friend, Leon Benson from Athlone, said Padraig was "always up for a challenge." "He lived for the sport. He always wanted to know that little bit extra and was always trying to improve what he was doing," said Leon. Austin Dobson of the Fore Motor Cycle Racing Club stated that this was a particularly tough time for the sport given that this accident came so soon after the previous weekend's fatality in Walderstown. "It's a tragic situation. Padraig was a very nice, quiet fella who went about his business. He'd always have a greeting for you whenever you'd see him and he was very popular with others in the sport," he said. "On behalf of the club I'd like to extend my sympathy to Padraig's family, his friends, and supporters, of which he had many." The deceased is survived by his girlfriend Dell, his father, Padraig, his brother, Nigel, and his two sisters, Karen and Lavina. Padraig's girlfriend and family said they wished to thank their friends and everyone who has offered their help and support in recent days. Padraig's funeral mass takes place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan, at noon today (Wednesday) with burial afterwards to Coosan Cemetery. May he rest in peace.