THE biker killed in a road crash near Newry was last night described as "a good man" and the "life and soul" of his motorcycle club.
Martin Harvey (57) from Newtownards, Co Down, was fatally injured in a collision in the Fathom Line area of Newry on Sunday.
He was the only person involved in the crash, which happened at around 11.30am.
Mr Harvey was a member of the Belfast Flyers Motorcycle Club, which last night wrote of their devastation at his sudden death. In a post on Facebook, the club said it was with a "heavy heart and disbelief" that they were informing members of Mr Harvey's death.
"Our fellow friend and Belfast Flyer member Martin Harvey was suddenly taken from us today following a collision this morning," they said.
"We can not even begin to describe as a club what we are feeling.
"We are thinking of Marty's wife Tanya, his family, friends and colleagues tonight.
"If you knew Marty, you would always hear about his wife Tanya and how much he adored her. If you were his friend you knew his banter and were always getting messaged about what he was drinking that night.
"Marty was certainly a character. He was the life and soul of the Belfast Flyers."
The motorcycle club also said Mr Harvey "never made anyone feel left out and was always there for you if you had a problem".
"You were taken far too soon away from us Marty. Gone but never forgotten," it added.
Dozens of others have also paid tribute to Mr Harvey, who was described by many as a "true gentleman".
One friend said he was "a good man and colleague, he will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure to have knowing him", while another added: "So sad. Such a lovely guy".
Another pal 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...he was definitely one in a million and I will cherish the memories I have".
The tragedy brings to 38 the number of people who have died on the roads in 2018. Six of the fatalities have been motorcyclists.
A PSNI spokeswoman said: "Officers from PSNI Collision Investigation Unit continue to investigate the collision and can be contacted by 101".
