The community of Magherafelt has been plunged into grief after a ‘pipe band fanatic’ was tragically killed in a road crash involving a motorbike in Belfast on Tuesday evening.
It is understood that the man, named locally as John Alexander Keatley, had been returning home from band practice with the Ballycoan Pipe Band when the accident occurred close to a petrol station on the Milltown Road (pictured above) shortly after 8pm.
Both Mr Keatley, who was the driver of the vehicle and the motorcyclist died as a result of the collision.
It is believed that John, who was in his late 20’s, had been travelling with another man from Tobermore when the accident occurred.
John’s death came hours after a 51 year-old woman was killed in a two vehicle car accident on the Moneymore Road outside Magherafelt shortly before 9am on Tuesday morning.
The deaths mean that five people have been killed on Northern Ireland’s roads in the past four days.
Local DUP Councillor Anne Forde paid tribute to John.
She said: “I have known his family all my life. John was an only son and they are just devastated by his death.
“I would like to express my sympathy on the loss of John at this tragic time. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
“John was a pipe band fanatic. He started off piping in Bellaghy where he done really well, he excelled in competitions. He then moved to the Ballycoan Pipe Band in Belfast. He was returning home from band practice when the accident happened.
“He will certainly be missed by everyone.
“It is very concerning the number of deaths on our roads in the past few days.
“I would just urge all motorists to take care on the road and to think of others,” added Mrs Forde.
John’s funeral will leave his Aughrim Road home tomorrow (Friday) at 1pm to St. Swithin’s Church Magherafelt for service followed by burial in the adjoining church graveyard.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.
