Richard Britton's tragic death on this day 15 years ago at Ballybunion Road Races was 'huge loss' to motorcycling

Enniskillen’s Richard Britton was tragically killed at the inaugural Ballybunion Road Races in County Kerry on this day 15 years ago.
Richard Britton from Enniskillen was one of Ireland's top road racers.Richard Britton from Enniskillen was one of Ireland's top road racers.
Richard Britton from Enniskillen was one of Ireland's top road racers.

Hugely popular with the fans and his fellow competitors, the 34-year-old died following a freak accident in the 250cc class.

He was taken to hospital but sadly the Fermanagh man had been killed instantly in the crash.

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The ill-fated meeting was abandoned and motorcycle road racing never again returned to Ballybunion.

Robert Dunlop, who was attending the event to watch his son, William, compete in the race, said Irish road racing had lost another leading light.

“It’s just tragic that another of our top road racers has been killed, just like Joey was,” he said at the time.

“Motorcycle road racing is a very unforgiving sport. I’ve seen that too many times myself and it’s just a sad side of the sport. My own boy, William, was racing and he wasn’t far from Richard when he crashed.

“You have to think of his family, his wife and son.”

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Robert himself lost his life three years later in a crash at the North West 200, while William died in an accident at the Skerries 100 in 2018.

Mervyn Whyte, who was then the Clerk of the Course at the North West 200, said Richard was “a great character, always smiling and good fun”.

“It’s just a very sad day for motorcycle racing. Richard Britton was just as you saw him, he had no airs or graces. He was always smiling and he was a fun character.

“In terms of the North West, Richard was always willing to help out however he could. He gave me a lot of valuable help when it came to the safety aspect of the North West itself.

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“He will be a huge loss to the event and sadly road racing has lost another of its best names.”

Richard left behind a wife and young son, Loris, who was named after Italian Grand Prix star Loris Capirossi.

A former Irish and Ulster champion and multiple road racing winner, he also enjoyed success on the international stage, claiming a famous victory in the Production race at the North West 200 in 2000, and finishing on the rostrum at the Ulster Grand Prix and Isle of Man TT.

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