He was pronounced dead at the scene following a collision at the Skerries 100 road race on Sunday, with all racing abandoned after the red flag incident
The rider who tragically lost his life following an incident at the Skerries 100 road race on Sunday has been identified as John ‘Plumb’ O’Donovan.
The Cork native was involved in a crash on the second day of the Dublin event, leading to all remaining races being called off after the red flag was raised.
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene at Duke’s Bend, Baldongan, but the rider was declared dead at the location.
The West Cork Motorcycle Club announced on Sunday night that their member O’Donovan had been killed. Heartbreakingly, he is the second club member to die within recent days, after James Walsh passed away on Friday following his crash at the Tandragee 100.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend and fellow club member, John “Plumb” O’Donovan,” the West Cork MC stated.
“John was a much-loved character within the West Cork Motorcycle Club and someone who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was known for his incredible sense of humour and quick wit, his generosity, and his unwavering friendship. No matter where he went, John had a way of making people smile and bringing others together.
“John’s dedication to racing was second to none. He worked tirelessly to pursue the sport he loved, putting countless hours into preparing, improving, and giving everything he had on the track. His determined riding style earned him respect from fellow competitors, but it never left the circuit.
“Once the racing was over, John was always the first to share a laugh, crack a joke, and enjoy the camaraderie that made the racing community so special. That balance of fierce competitor and genuine friend is how so many of us will remember him.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with John’s wife Valerie, children Sean, Libby and Emily, family, loved ones, and all who are mourning his loss at this incredibly difficult time. Rest easy, Plumb.”
Members of the racing community were swift to honour a ‘wonderful character’ following the devastating announcement.
Fellow racer Eamon McKeown shared an extensive tribute, writing: “It’s extremely hard to believe the news that we lost John O’Donovan at Skerries. Johnny known to most as JD Plumb was a wonderful character who we’ve have known for over 10 years.
“He was like a second father to me and Kevin, anywhere we went Johnny was usually there making sure we had everything we needed , keeping us fed and watered. No favour was too big always there to help out in anyway he could. A fierce competitor when the visor came down , but was always encouraging to me and kept believing that I could go faster.
“Johnny give me the opportunity to move up to senior support over the winter months by letting my buy his trusty old R6 at an extremely good price, without Johnny I wouldn’t have the opportunity to ride Senior Support or ride the Southern 100 this year. We also took on alot of prep work on Johnny’s bike’s heading into 2026 and even had my first ever spin on a Supertwin on the Johnny’s lovely Aprilia.
“At Tandragee I Qualified right beside Johnny on the grid, 0.2 separated us after qualifying, in typical Johnny fashion he was quick to start the craic about the situation both of us giving eachother stick back and forth.
“We are devastated that we have lost another legend, my heart goes out to Johnny’s Wife and his children Sean, Emily and Libby. Until we meet again Johnny, Keep her pinned.”
Earlier on Sunday, the Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club, the organising body behind the races, released a statement expressing that it “regrets to announce a competitor has sadly passed away following a tragic accident that occurred during a race.”
In a statement, Gardaí formally confirmed the fatal incident had taken place.
“Gardai are investigating the death of a man following an incident at a closed racing circuit in Co Dublin on Sunday, July 5,” a garda spokesperson said.
“Shortly before 12:00pm, emergency services and gardai were alerted after participant in a motorcycle racing event in Skerries was involved in a single motorcycle collision at Duke’s Bend, Baldongan.
“The motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The Coroner has been notified,” the statement said.
Forensic Collision Investigators are set to conduct a thorough examination of the scene.
The Skerries 100 is one of Ireland’s most celebrated and long-standing motorcycle road races, making its comeback this year following a four-year absence brought about by soaring insurance costs.
The devastating incident follows closely on the heels of the death of Cork rider Walsh, who lost his life after a serious crash at the Tandragee 100 motorcycle race in Co Armagh.
Mr Walsh was caught up in a grave incident during the Senior Support race at last weekend’s motorcycling event and tragically passed away on Friday.
Earlier this year, Czech rider Kamil Holan also lost his life at the North West 200 road races.
In May, English rider Daniel Ingham died in a crash at the Isle of Man TT event.
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