Keith Farmer: Tributes pour in for one of NI’s greatest motorcycle racers, celebrated for ‘putting Clogher on the map’

Tributes from the sporting entire world and past have poured in for Keith Farmer, 1 of Northern Ireland’s most thriving motorcyclists, immediately after his unexpected dying.

lso known as the ‘Clogher Bullet’, the renowned racer handed absent quickly in the early hours of Thursday morning.

He was a four-time British champion, having gained the Superstock 600 title all through his rookie period in 2011, the Superstock 1000 championship the pursuing 12 months and once more in 2018, and the British Supersport crown in 2017. 

His death was verified by his brother David.

In a Fb post, he mentioned: “I’m missing for words. Our little brother remaining us at 1.45am with us all by his side. Life will never ever be the same once again. He made us all so proud and he will be pretty sorely missed. Really like you, Meekie #33.”

The DUP’s Deborah Erskine explained: “We’re all in shock and sadness at the death of Keith Farmer. He put Clogher on the map through his racing vocation as 4-time British champion.”

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA added: “We are all so proud of all the things he achieved. We continue to keep Keith’s spouse and children and friends in our prayers. Sending our heartfelt condolences to them.”

English rider Lee Jackson, who received the 2012 National Superstock 600 Championship one yr just after Keith claimed it, wrote: “Rest in Peace, Keith Farmer… This sort of a excellent man long gone much too soon.”

Stuart Higgs, race director of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, said: “Awful news to wake up to about the unexpected and premature passing of Keith Farmer. Thinking of his loved ones, close friends and beloved types. Might he rest in peace.”

Bennetts British Superbikes included: “Keith will be terribly skipped by all who experienced the satisfaction of meeting him throughout his occupation. He was a fantastic and effective rider on track who will be fondly remembered by his rivals, colleagues and lovers adhering to today’s tragic information.”

Ex-GP rider Steve Parrish tweeted: “Tragic information to hear the unfortunate passing of Keith Farmer. A good rider and pretty nice fella. My ideas are with all his household. RIP, young person.”

Carrickfergus rider Andrew Irwin posted: “Keith, you taught me far more about race craft in 2017 than I have learnt in my entire race vocation. You had been a 4-time British winner that did not only have uncooked talent, but also worked really hard absent from racing. Rest in peace, mate. Until eventually we meet again.”

Various racing groups even further compensated homage to the late 35-calendar year-outdated, including Yamaha Racing Uk, which said: “We are devastated to listen to of the passing of Keith Farmer, who received the 2017 British Supersport title with @AppleyardRacing in addition to his a few Superstock titles.”

The Moneymore-primarily based TAS Racing staff, famous: “His infectious smile will be skipped by everyone who realized him.

“His talent was simple and whilst his successes ended up lots of, together with a unforgettable Superstock championship earn with Tyco BMW in 2018, I will usually truly feel like we in no way basically witnessed Keith’s complete likely on a superbike, as he was so normally hampered by damage or poor luck,” continued the team’s principal, Philip Neill. 

BBC Radio Ulster motorcycling pundit Liam Beckett claimed Mr Farmer was “a actually proficient rider and a diamond of a fella”.

Tv presenter Matt Roberts explained he was “shocked and incredibly saddened” at the information, adding: “My like and thoughts are with his spouse and children and good friends, and most of all with Keith. What a attractive, attractive person. RIP.”

Keith suffered a collection of harm setbacks, which includes breaking both of those his legs terribly in a crash at Knockhill in Scotland in 2019.

In 2021, he made the unanticipated announcement that he was retiring from motorcycle racing to commit additional time with his family, following much more than a 10 years at the elite stage of his sport. 

Talking at the time, he reflected on his trophy-laden occupation and said his personal injury woes had led him to take the selection to quit the activity.

“I’d usually talked about retiring at the stop of the calendar year in any case, due to the fact I’ve had my honest share of accidents in the very last couple of yrs, and I just imagine now’s the time to get out,” Farmer stated.

“I’ve experienced ten decades in the BSB paddock and I have got some terrific reminiscences, as very well as some-not-so-fantastic types.

“To wander absent with 4 British titles is absolutely good, and when I go through all the messages I’ve received, it has variety of built me realise just what I have realized in my vocation.

“I had in excess of 450 opinions on my Fb webpage and I felt fairly psychological following observing all the optimistic things that were staying reported about me,” he additional.

“I probably did not give myself much credit history for profitable these 4 championships, mainly because as a racer you are often on the lookout in direction of the subsequent aim. But I believe once the dust settles I’ll be capable to search again and experience very pleased of what I’ve finished in my occupation.”