Talented stock car racer (17) among three killed on NI roads at weekend

A TEENAGER killed in a weekend car crash has been described as “my biggest inspiration in life” by his heartbroken sister.

Jack Morrow (17), from the Rathfriland area, died after a collision involving one vehicle in the Co Down town in the early hours of Saturday.

A funeral notice described him as the “dearly devoted son of Andrew and Jill and loving brother of Amy”.

His funeral is from his home today at 1pm for service in 1st Rathfriland Presbyterian Church at 2pm, followed by burial in adjoining churchyard.

He was one of three people who died on Northern Ireland’s roads over the weekend.

Stephen Carmichael (33) from Ballyclare died after his black Volkswagen was involved in a collision in Co Antrim shortly before midnight on Saturday.

And a man in his 60s also passed away following a crash in Poyntzpass on Friday night.

Jack was an avid stock car racer and had won many junior titles.

Amy Morrow paid tribute to her brother on social media.

“Jack, you were one of a kind… From being my chief mechanic, my brother and most importantly my best friend,” she wrote.

She said her brother had been an inspiration to her and others.

“I never thought I would ever lose you and life and the racing will never be the same again without you there, you have always been my biggest inspiration in life and I will strive to do you proud,” she said.

Junior Production UK paid tribute to the young driver.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Morrow. Jack was one of the most talented drivers to ever grace junior productions and oval racing,” they said.

“He won many a race and championships and was the first ever junior productions British champion.

“We are sending all our thoughts to the Morrow family and all his friends.”

Stock car firm DMC Race Promotions said he had been “the driver to beat” in his racing class.

“Jack was a quiet, unassuming lad who let his driving on the track do the talking,” DMC said.

“British Champion, Irish Champion, Irish Open Champion, NI Points Champion and Scottish Open Champion were just some of the accolades he gathered.”

Jack’s employer Dennison Commercials also paid tribute.

“Jack was completing his first year of apprenticeship in repairing heavy vehicles at our Newry depot and had a bright future ahead of him,” the company said.

“He will be hugely missed by our team in Newry who worked closely beside him and indeed by all his colleagues who worked and studied with him from across our wider business.”

They passed on their sympathies to Jack’s family and are closing the business today to honour his passing.

Jill Macauley, chairwoman of the UUP, paid tribute to Jack and passed on her sympathies to his friends and family.

“It’s absolutely devastating news about Jack Morrow. [He was] the loveliest boy and no doubt very popular with all his friends locally here and across the racing world,” she said.

“My heart just breaks for Andrew, Jill and Amy, not to mention the whole Morrow and Bingham family circle. Sending our deepest sympathies, love and prayers to them all,” she said.

Tributes were also paid to Mr Carmichael, who died in Ballyclare.

Local DUP councillor Helen Magill said his death had saddened the whole community.

“This is a very sad day for the Ballyclare community. My thoughts and prayers are with Stephen’s family and friends at this difficult time,” she said.

“They have been plunged into immense sorrow by their loss and we have been reminded, once again, that life is fragile and no one knows what a day may bring forth.

“l would like to thank the emergency services who attended the scene.

“Dealing with such a tragedy must be very difficult for all concerned,” she added.

Mr Carmichael was heavily involved with his local bands, and his former comrades in Ballyclare Protestant Boys paid tribute to him online.

“This morning we got the devastating news of the passing of Stephen Carmichael, former member of Ballyclare Protestant Boys and current member of Ballyclare Memorial Flute Band,” they said.

“On behalf of all officers and band members, we send our condolences to our former chairman Andrew Carmichael who is a brother of Stephen, his family, his friends & all the members of Ballyclare Memorial Flute Band who we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers at these saddened times.”

Infrastructure Minister John O’dowd extended his condolences to the families of the three victims..

“Too many lives have been cut short or forever changed by serious injury as a result of road traffic collisions and too many people are left to deal with the devastating consequences.

“I am appealing to all road users to be mindful of others using our roads and exercise care and caution when travelling,” he said.