Tributes have been paid to Ballyclare road racer Darren Keys, who was killed in a crash at the Walderstown Road Races on Sunday.

The 34-year-old died following a high-speed accident in the Senior Support race at the County Westmeath meeting.

He was airlifted to the Mater Hospital in Dublin but was later pronounced dead.

Racing was abandoned following the tragic incident.

Mr Keys made his road racing debut at Armoy in 2016 and on Sunday night, the club issued a statement paying tribute to the tragic racer.

The statement said:

‘The Directors, Management and Club Members of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club are devastated to hear about the death of Darren Keys after he was involved in an incident in today's Senior Support Race at Walderstown.

‘After making his road racing debut in Armoy back in 2016, Darren was really making a name for himself on the Irish National scene.

‘A proper gentleman both on and off the bike, he was loved by everyone in the paddock - felllow riders, officals and fans alike. A bright talent taken much too soon and he will be greatly missed.

‘Our deepest sympathy goes to Darren's wife Justine, daughter Molly, son Charlie, family, friends and the team at this very sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. RIP #94.'

In recent seasons, Mr Keys had focused more on road racing after making the transition from the short circuit scene.

He won the Senior Support races at the Enniskillen and the Skerries 100 meetings in recent weeks.

An investigation into the cause of the fatal crash is under way.

A Gardaí statement issued to the News Letter on Sunday afternoon said:

'Gardaí are investigating the death of a participant during the Walderstown motor cycle road racing event in Co. Westmeath.

'At approximately 11.30am a 34-year-old-man from Northern Ireland was seriously injured when his motor cycle was involved in a crash during a race at Walderstown. He was treated at the scene before being airlifted to the Mater Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

'The event has been abandoned and Garda forensic collision investigators are examining the crash site. Enquires are ongoing, the Coroner has been notified and post-mortem examination will we arranged. A file will be prepared in accordance with the Coroners Act.'

Kyle White