Kells Road Race 2009

The Kells Road Race took place over the weekend (17th July to 19th July).  Sunday's racing had a very sombre atmosphere due to the death of a local rider, Padraig Campbell who was from Moate in Co. Westmeath.  The crash happened at around 6pm on the Saturday evening during practice on the 15th anniversary of the Kells Road Race. Mr Campbell (32) sustained fatal injuries when his kawasaki bike crashed as he prepared to compete in the 400cc support event. His bike collided with another bike during a lap on the Crossakiel circuit. Mr. Campbell was the second motorcyclist to be killed in the area in the same week. Just last Sunday, 27 year old Andrew Neill from Tyrone died at Walderstown during the Irish National Road race championship. Tributes are pouring in for Padraig from the racing community and further afield. Kells councillor Brian Collins who was working at the races, said people had lived in fear that "sooner or later" a motorcyclist would be killed. "In 15 years here, they've had a perfect safety record. The sport is risky but every possible safety feature is put in," he added. Safety is paramount and the road race organisers work tirelessly throughout the year and leading up to the race to make sure that everything is as safe as possible for both riders and spectators. It's understood the Campbell family expressed their wishes for the event to continue in Padraig's memory and wished all participants a safe day. Mr. Campbell was a member of the Fore Motor Cycle racing club at Clonageeragh in Castlepollard. Mr. Campbell, who was an electrician, is survived by his Father Padraig, his brother Nigel and sisters Karen and Laveena. Mr. Campbell's funeral mass takes place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan, (Wednesday 22nd) with burial afterwards to Coosan Cemetery. We would like to send our condolences to Padraig's family and friends. For more information regarding the Kells Road Race, please email Lester or Aileen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Click on the images to enlarge