“His mom Geraldine and I know how much love James had in his life and that so many are affected by his passing and we thank you so much for your patience since the accident.”
James Walsh and partner Claire O’Shea(Image: Facebook)
The heartbroken partner of a rider killed in the Tandragee 100 has paid tribute to her “love, best friend, and world” and revealed he has helped others by donating his kidneys.
Irish rider James Walsh died six days after a ‘catastrophic accident’ in the Senior Support race at the Armagh motorcycle event on Saturday.
The racing was halted by the red flag incident and Walsh was taken to hospital by air ambulance. On Friday it was announced he had tragically died and tributes have since poured in for the Cork native.
His heartbroken partner Claire O’Shea took to social media to pay tribute and also revealed he had been able to donate his kidneys on his death.
She wrote: “James Walsh my love, my best friend, my world has passed away in the early hours of this morning Fri 3rd July, but not before once more helping people on his way out. He was able to donate his kidneys which will provide hope for other families and comfort for ours.
“After a catastrophic crash on Saturday 27th June at the Tandragee road races, and extraordinary efforts by the paramedics to restart his heart he was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast where we have remained by his bedside since.
“His mom Geraldine and I know how much love James had in his life and that so many are affected by his passing and we thank you so much for your patience since the accident.”
She confirmed that details for his funeral services will follow shortly.
James won the Junior Support race at the Tandragee 100, just hours before his fatal accident.
It is the first death at the event in nine years, after Italy’s Dario Cecconi lost his life there in 2017.
It is the second fatal road racing accident in Northern Ireland motorcycling this year, with Czech Republic rider Kamil Holan dying at the North West 200 in May.
“We are completely heartbroken by this tragic loss, and our entire club is mourning a truly valued member of our racing community,” a statement from The North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club (Tarmac Section) Ltd, which organises the Tandragee 100 said.
“Road racing is a sport built on shared passion and tight bonds, which makes a loss like this resonate deeply with every rider, official, and fan.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with his [partner] Claire, his mum Geraldine, the rest of his family, friends, and his own club members during this incredibly devastating time.
“We want to express our immense gratitude to the MCUI UC Medical Team, the air ambulance crew, and the medical staff who fought so hard to save him.”
Just two weeks ago, Walsh wrote of his excitement for the Tandragee 100 event.
“It’s Race week and I cannot wait. My 1st time there last year and wow what a circuit.
“It’s mini TT for a reason. Absolutely brilliant racing. Hopefully ill make a step up this year and get on it.
“Long drive up the road from Cork but it’s absolutely brilliant.”
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