Tragic Limavady motocross teen '˜always had a smile on his face'

Daniel Sheridan, from Dublin, was injured at a motocross track in Magilligan outside Limavady on Thursday. Bystanders had worked to try and save him.

He was airlifted to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry but could not be saved.

He went to St Kilian’s Senior School.

A St Kilian’s Parents Association statement said: “The Parents Association would like to extend its deepest sympathies to Daniel Sheridan’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

“St Kilian’s Senior School will be open tomorrow (Saturday) at 12pm midday for those of you who would like to gather in remembrance.

“May he rest in peace.”

The teenager has been described as “a kid who always had a smile on his face”.

Family friend, Martin Barr from Ballyclare, said the Dublin teenager was visiting the area with his mother and brother.

“He just loved riding his bike,” Martin told the Derry Journal.

“He loved other sports, like the GAA, but he loved racing bikes. It was a whole family affair and, come Thursday nights, they would pack up and head to Scotland, England or Wales. He loved that. He was a kid who always had a smile on his face.”

Martin said the teenager and his family were regular visitors to the track.

“He was a frequent user of the track, and was taking advantage of being off school in the summer. He rode the track many a time, but he had a crash and he passed away from his injuries,” he said.

Martin added: “This is a very hard time for the family, and they have many hard weeks and months ahead of them. No one would wish that on anyone.”

Local politicians have been offering their condolences to the boy’s family.

SDLP East Derry MLA Gerry Mullan said it was a profound tragedy that had touched the entire community.

“Daniel had his whole life ahead of him and the cruel way that his future was cut short will be totally devastating for his friends and family.

“We cannot begin to imagine the grief they must be feeling at this time and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Investigations into the incident by the PSNI and Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council are continuing.