Tributes paid to TT star
Tributes are being paid to popular Isle of Man TT competitor Martin Finnegan, who died while racing on Saturday.
The 29-year-old crashed while battling for the lead of the Supersport 600 race at Tandragee. Three spectators were injured in the incident.
The former Irish Champion had earlier claimed his first victory at Tandragee, in the Open Class.
The father-of-one from Lusk made his TT debut in 2002, and became a regular top 10-finisher around the famous Mountain Course.
He was the eighth fastest person around the TT course, with a personal lap record of 127.014mph.
During the Centenary TT, Finnegan was again the top Irish performer. Riding in the Alpha Boilers colours he scored fourth places in the Superbike and Superstock, on a Honda and MV Agusta respectively, and finished 13th in the Supersport, also on a Honda.
Great things were expected this year following a switch to the JMF Millsport Yamaha team.
Paul Phillips, the TT and Motorsport Development Manager at the Isle of Man Department of Tourism and Leisure, told the Isle of Man Examiner:
'He was one of my closest friends. He was a bike racer with star quality, charisma, a flamboyant riding style and a professional approach.'
'I knew him as a friend and he was generous, a good father and a mega person.'
'It is hard in my job and you try not to get too involved, but I had known Martin for 10 years.'
The funeral is being held in a church just a short walk from Martin's home in Lusk today (Wednesday).
Fans have been posting tributes on the forum of the official website of the Isle of Man TT. To read the tributes and post your own visit the iomtt forum.