Woman pays tribute to motorcyclist husband who died in crash

THE wife of a motorcyclist from Co Down has said her heart is broken after his death in a crash.

Martin Harvey (57) from Newtownards had been travelling along the Fathom Line near Newry at around 11.30am on Sunday when the accident occurred.

His devastated wife Tania spoke of her shock yesterday on social media.

“My big, kind hearted loving husband has been taken from me and my heart is broken, I loved him beyond words,” she said.

“I don’t know how I’m going to cope without him, he was one of life’s gentlemen and now he’s gone to be with (daughter) Amanda but I needed him here.”

Mr Harvey was a nephew of independent Newtownards councillor Jimmy Menagh.

Mr Menagh said yesterday he would be taking the time to speak to the family before making any comment.

Earlier this month Mrs Harvey also paid tribute to her daughter Amanda, who died several years ago.

Around a hundred friends were quick to voice their support to Mrs Harvey on social media yesterday.

Natalie Beers said: “So sorry to hear this sad news, Marty was your soulmate taken from you far too soon, such a cruel world. Lots of love to you and your family.”

Ashlea Milla added: “Tania I’m so sorry for yet another devastating loss to you and your family. My thoughts are with you and the family. Sending all my love.”

Jordan McBlain said: “Devastating news of the passing of Martin Harvey. We had such a laugh, slabbering about the football and I’m going to miss the silly pictures and videos. My heart goes out to Tania... and the rest of the family circle.”

There have been several tragedies on the Fathom Line in recent years. The road runs along Newry Canal and connects the city to the ferry at Greenore in the Republic.

A local resident told the Belfast Telegraph: “It’s not a great surface, it’s kind of lumpy and bumpy.

“It has a lot of lorry traffic heading for the ferry and that has damaged the surface.”

The latest incident marks the 38th death on Northern Ireland’s roads this year.

Six of the fatalities have been motorcyclists, and three have occurred in the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area.

Officers from the PSNI Collision Investigation Unit continue to probe the incident and have appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash, or has dashcam footage, to contact it on 101 quoting reference 621.