Prominent motorcycle racer, James Walsh has sadly passed away following injuries sustained in a “catastrophic” crash at the Tandragee 100 road races.
The race was ‘red flagged’ following Cork-born James’ crash on Saturday June 27.
James was immediately transported to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where he remained in a critical condition.
Tragically, his friends, family and fellow racers have announced his heart-breaking death this morning (July 3).
His grief-stricken partner, Claire said: “James Walsh, my love, my best friend, my world has passed away in the early hours of this morning Fri 3rd July, but not before once more helping people on his way out.
“He was able to donate his kidneys which will provide hope for other families and comfort for ours.
“After a catastrophic crash on Saturday 27th June at the Tandragee road races, and extraordinary efforts by the paramedics to restart his heart he was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast where we have remained by his bedside since.
“His mom Geraldine and I know how much love James had in his life and that so many are affected by his passing and we thank you so much for your patience since the accident.”
Fellow racer and Cookstown native, Baylon McCaughey paid tribute to his beloved friend: “Struggling for words here! James Walsh, what a guy! From the very first day I met James, I can honestly say we’ve shared a chat at every race meeting since.
“Such was his character—warm, endearing, always with a smile and genuinely lovely.
“Sadly, James is no longer with us. Following a crash during the Senior Support race on Saturday at Tandragee, James tragically succumbed to his injuries.
“Just earlier, he had claimed his first-ever road race win in the Junior Support race—an achievement he never had the chance to celebrate. Road racing was James’s passion.
“Despite coming all the way from Cork, the long journeys never dampened his enthusiasm. As a proud member of the West Cork Motorcycle Club, JBW Racing (James ‘The Beard’ Walsh) had one major dream: the Manx Grand Prix.
“Last year, a slip during his opening lap of practice cut his week short, but James was determined to return this year to achieve his dream. Heartbreakingly, he will never get to fulfil that dream.
“At the opening round of the Mondello Masters, James took a fine third place in the New Gen SS600 race on his Triumph; this was followed up with more success, where at Cookstown earlier in the year, James, a self-employed mechanic, took his first-ever pole position when he topped the Senior Support class, before going on to finish second to Brandon Kavanagh.”
Recalling his final conversation with James, and no doubt one he will treasure forever, Baylon continued: “Sweltering in the heat, waiting to go out in qualifying at Tandragee last Friday, I had my last chat with James.
“As always, he greeted me with his trademark warmth, asking how I was and sharing his usual friendly welcome. Under the shade of an umbrella, we talked about the bikes, the racing, and how much he was looking forward to the Manx Grand Prix again.
“Tragically, just 24 hours later, a high-speed spill during the Senior Support race saw James airlifted to hospital, where his injuries proved too severe. He sadly passed away yesterday.
“Motorcycle racing has lost a dear friend and a great character, but the loss is felt most deeply by his loving family and countless friends. To his family and friends, his partner Claire, His mum Geraldine, I extend my Deepest Sympathies. Rest In Peace, my friend, James ‘the Beard’ Walsh!”
A death notice described James as the adored son of Geraldine and much loved partner of Claire O’Shea.
He will be sadly missed by his loving mother, partner, aunts and uncles, Thomas and Bernie, James and Ann, Ros and Adrian, Tony amd Mary, Claire’s parents Noel amd Carmel and their family, cousins, and a large circle of his loyal friends.
His funeral arrangements will follow.
