Tributes pour in for Motor Cycle Union of Ireland chaplain Rev Noel Agnew after sad passing following short illness

The retired Minister, who hailed from the Kilrea area, suffered a heart attack following practice for the Cookstown 100 motorcycle races on Friday, September 11.

He received immediate attention from paramedics at the scene who were in attendance at the race before being rushed to Craigavon Area Hospital, where his condition was initially described as seriously ill.

However, he began to improve in the following days and showed some positive signs of recovery.

Sadly, it was confirmed on Wednesday evening that the popular motorcycle racing chaplain had died.

Roy Biggerstaff, circuit manager at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit in Co Down, has known Rev Agnew for the past 25 years.

He told the News Letter: “The news came as a huge shock on Wednesday because Noel had shown some signs that he was improving.

“I’ve known him going back 25 years and apart from our shared interest in motorcycle racing, we would have socialised together and went out for a bite to eat at times.

“What you saw is what you got with Noel. He was just a very down to earth person with time for everyone,” he added.

“All the riders and teams felt more comfortable with his presence in the paddock and he had something to say to everyone – everybody in racing knew Noel, from spectators to riders and officials.

“He has left a massive void and will be very difficult to replace because Noel had been around for a long time. He was a very funny man in his own right and a good listener.

“My thoughts are with his family circle at this time. He will be very badly missed.”

A statement on the Ulster Grand Prix Facebook page said Rev Agnew would be ‘sorely missed’.

“It was with deep regret that we learned of the death earlier today of Dundrod & District Motorcycle club member and friend Noel Agnew. He will be sorely missed by all in our club and by all those who knew him. RIP Noel.”

The MCUI Medical Team also paid tribute in a social media post, saying: “Like many, we were heartbroken yesterday evening to learn of the passing of our friend and colleague, Reverend Noel Agnew.

“We have already said how much Noel provided for us pastorally both as a team and as individuals, and how much this meant to us.

“Our thoughts turn to those who worked closely with him on the Chaplaincy and Welfare team, to his colleagues in the wider church, and indeed to everyone who was blessed by his friendship.”

Anne Forsythe, Clerk of the Course at the Tandragee 100, said the sport had lost a ‘wonderful character'.

“On behalf of the North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club I wish to express our deep sadness on hearing of the passing of Rev Noel Agnew early this evening. He was such a wonderful character and friend to many in our sport.”

The Burrows Engineering/RK Racing team revealed Rev Agnew had been a ‘great source of support’ following the death of young racer Malachi Mitchell-Thomas at the North West 200 in 2016.

“Thoughts of everyone in the team are with Rev Noel Agnew’s family and friends. Rev Noel has been a great source of comfort and support to many in the sport over the years,” said a team post on Twitter.

“We were grateful for his spiritual counsel when we tragically lost Malachi Mitchell-Thomas in 2016. RIP Noel.”

The Armoy Road Races Twitter account said in a post that Rev Agnew ‘was a great friend to the racing community and will be much missed in the paddock’.

Eight-time North West 200 winner Steve Plater also paid tribute on social media, writing: “Lovely fella will be sadly missed by many!”

And Dundrod Presbyterian Church said Rev Agnew ‘was a dear friend of Dundrod and in particular to the motorbike community and to all involved in the Dundrod races’.

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