Tributes after motoryclist Jonny McHugh dies in crash

The PSNI said the 32-year-old victim, who had been riding a motorbike, was believed to have struck a telegraph pole on the Glenariff Road, south of Cushendall.

His friend Alan Feely, from Bangor, said: “Everyone is in complete shock. He had a very tight group of friends. It is very hard to take in.”

Mr Feely, 33, said friends and family paid an emotional visit to the crash scene to lay flowers.

He said Mr McHugh, who worked for an engineering firm in Bangor, “had been really enjoying his motorbike”.

“He would have been going around with a smile on his face. Jonny was a bubbly character. He was cheeky; he always had a smile on his face no matter what was going on around him.

“He loved a laugh and a joke, loved his dance music, his football – he was a Spurs fan.

“He was a genuine and good guy. It is just unbelievable.”

Mr McHugh is survived by his brother and wider family circle. A friend told the News Letter that Mr McHugh’s parents were already deceased.

Tributes have also been paid on Facebook to the Bangor man.

One said: “Just heard, Sad news. Can’t believe my wee mate Jonny Mchugh has passed away, Rip jonny, never forgotten.”

Another said: “R.I.P Jonny Mchugh. Only talking to you yesterday. Fun times and great laughs had on many occasions. Good friend. See ya soon buddy. Taken far too early.”

North Antrim Sinn Fein MLA Oliver McMullan extended his deepest sympathies to the motorcyclist’s family.

“At this time of the year many motorcyclists come to the north coast in the good weather because of the scenery, but it is tragic this man’s trip ended in this way.”

Inspector Colin Shaw is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

He said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision, or anyone who may have seen a pair of motorcyclists travelling in the direction of Ballymena prior to the time of the collision.”

He said the tragic motorcyclist had been travelling with a friend who was riding a second motorcycle.

The second male was not involved in the collision.

Witnesses can get in touch with police by calling 101.

Mr McHugh’s death was the 13th fatality on Ulster’s roads this year.

This time last year 10 people had been killed.