We’ve been left broken, say family after motorcyclist killed in smash
THE family of a Co Down motorcyclist say they have been left broken by his death in a road crash.
Feargal Magennis (43), who was from the Downpatrick area, died after his motorbike hit a car on Castlewellan Road in Cabra at around 8.30pm on Saturday.
Following his death members of his family shared pictures and paid emotional tributes on social media to the keen motorcyclist, who ran his own joinery company.
Over the weekend his son Ciaran posted pictures on Facebook of his father smiling on his bike and at work.
“Tonight I lost my Dad as a result of a serious collision involving himself on his motorbike and (a driver of another car),” he said.
“Safe to say I’m in complete shock and this is an extremely hard thing to be dealing with. You really never know what’s around the corner. RIP Dad.”
Mr Magennis’ brother Colman works at the Down Jewellers shop in Downpatrick.
“Due to the devastating death of my brother and friend Feargal the shop will be closed for a few days,” he said.
Feargal’s partner Souniamh Duffy added her own photos of happy times the couple shared with the message: “We found each other, we loved each other so much and now I’ve lost him I’m broken. Thanks for all the messages, I do appreciate them.”
Support from friends of the family also flooded in on social media.
Samantha Reid commented: “Oh My heart is so heavy. Ciaran you may not remember me but I lived with your dad (and two other friends) in Cairnshill. I too am in such shock. Your dad was a beautiful soul and one in a million. He appreciated the little things and I love him for that. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Words just aren’t enough. Sending you love and strength. Please pass my condolences on to your family.” Addressing Colman, Eleanor McCourt described his brother as “a really lovely young man”. She added: “No words will make this any easier for you and your family.”
Mr Magennis was the 37th person to die on Northern Ireland’s roads this year, four fewer than at the same time last year.
Funeral details for Mr Magennis have yet to be announced.
The PSNI has appealed for anyone with information on the crash to call the collision investigation unit on 101, quoting reference 1450 of August 26, 2017.