Armoy Clerk of Course Bill Kennedy in tribute to Joey Dunlop's former mechanic Jackie Graham

Mr Graham – a cousin of Joey’s – worked on the 26-time Isle of Man TT winner’s bikes in the early days of the Ballymoney rider’s burgeoning career.

His son, Sammy, also later become an integral part of Joey’s team and as a trusted mechanic and close friend as the Ulster rider broke countless records and made history at the TT.

Kennedy told the News Letter yesterday: “Jackie would have fettled Joey’s bikes in the early days of his career.

“He was still with Joey when he rode for Honda at the beginning and went over to the TT with him, but he wasn’t able to dedicate all his time to Joey because of work commitments and the like.

“But he was a very handy man and a fantastic engineer – he could have made you anything and he was very knowledgeable around engines,” Kennedy added.

“I was actually with Jackie not long ago in the middle of the winter and he was in the middle of building a trike, so he was still working at things even in the later stages of his life.

“His son Sammy then went on to work as a mechanic to Joey as well and in fact, Sammy did a bit of racing himself for a while on a bike that he bought from Joey.

“It’s sad news and I send my condolences to Jackie’s wife Sally and his children.”

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