| Location | Newmills, Dungannon |
| Age | 27 years |
| Cause of Death | Motorbike Accident |
| Date of Birth | 21/09/1981 |
| Date of Death | 12/07/2009 |
| Visitors | 2,653 since 13/07/2009 |
| Creator |
One of the up and coming road racers in the country, Andrew died as the result of an accident during a practice session for Walderstown "Race of the South" at Athlone, Co West Meath.
Andrew is greatly missed by his family, his friends and his fans.......
"It was with great sadness and shock that the road racing and wider community learnt of the passing of rising star Andrew Neill, one of the best up and coming road racers in Ireland. He was a huge talent in the sport, an experienced and exceptionally gifted rider, and a great prospect for the future.
Andrew was the treasured son of Alfie and Muriel, brother to Denver, Jackie and Ally, and devoted husband to Sharon.
He was educated at Eglish Primary School and Drumglass High School, where he was fondly remembered as a lovely boy with a big smile.
From an early age Andrew was interested in all things mechanical and for which he had a natural aptitude, no doubt inherited from his father. He owed much of his knowledge to the time they spent together while he was growing up.
He was a talented musician and rugby player, playing for the Ulster under 16 squad, but it was with the sport of motorbike racing where Andrew’s heart lay and where he was to truly shine.
Enjoying his best season to date, the popular Tyrone rider had come such a long way since making his debut at Aghadowey in 1999. Andrew first came to prominence in 2001 when he finished fourth overall in the 125cc Clubman’s Championship. Even while he was enjoying success on the short circuits, his heart was set on pure road racing and in August 2001 he made his debut ‘between the hedges’ at the Mid Antrim 150.
It was at this time and through racing that he met his wife-to-be, Sharon Turtle. Andrew was determined to get his girl and that he did. From that day forward they were inseparable, soul-mates. Andrew and Sharon were a lovely, kind, friendly and gentle couple who complemented each other perfectly. Her support and love for him never wavered and it meant the world to him to have his beloved Sharon always by his side throughout his road racing career.
During the next few seasons Andrew built up his race experience before putting his skills to the ultimate test and in the late summer of 2004 with a ZX6R borrowed from Ryan Farquhar, he competed in the Manx Grand Prix on the famous Isle of Man Mountain Circuit. Andrew still managed to finish sixth in the Newcomers race despite losing his visor and stopping to borrow the helmet of an unsuspecting marshal so that he could complete the distance.
In 2005 the Royal Hotel provided Andrew with a 250 Honda which he took to a credible fifth place at the International North West 200. With even better results at National level, his perseverance through some hard times was beginning to be rewarded.
2006 saw Andrew make the move to the Supersport class, winning the 600 B race at the Cookstown 100. In 2007 he was privileged to be chosen by Moira Motorcycle Racing Club, a Club who have supported some top class riders over the years, and by the Martin Bullock Race Team to compete on their machinery, making the Manx Grand Prix Podium by finishing third in the Junior 600 event.
In 2008 Andrew, always a true supporter of the two strokes, championed them again and took his first National A race win with D&GW Racing in the 125cc class on his home circuit at Bush Road Races.
2009 saw Andrew plan an ambitious campaign with a full arsenal of machinery, the Moira MRC Yamaha R6 and D&GW Racing 125 & 250 Honda’s and 1000 Suzuki. Andrew certainly rose to the challenge, proving he could quickly adapt to any bike and did his best to repay the support of those who had faith in him.
Making the bold move to give up a chance to win at the MGP, Andrew made his Isle of Man TT debut in June, fulfilling his life-time ambition of competing in the ultimate, the greatest road race on earth at the road race capital of the world. In the first Supersport race he finished nineteenth at an average speed of 118.87 mph and posted his best ever Isle of Man lap at 121.34 mph. In his second Supersport race he improved to finish sixteenth. No mean feat indeed.
He finished fourth in the 250cc Billown TT, as he had done the previous year, and returning to the Bush Road Race, Andrew won the 250cc race by over 19 seconds and had top six finishes in the Supersport and Grand Final events.
Andrew always showed courage and strength in the face of difficulty and hardship. He had fought hard to return from serious injury to be riding better, stronger and faster. It seemed that after all the years of hard work, Andrew was beginning to get the results he so richly deserved. He had made quite a name for himself as a fast, safe and steady rider and was going from strength to strength, climbing to the top echelons of road racing.
Andrew had succeeded in attracting much needed sponsorship, he had started to win races and was in contention at every race he entered. Achieving consistent podium finishes over the past number of years, Andrew had achieved some of his most impressive results more recently. Without a doubt he had the potential for so much more.
One of nature’s true gentlemen and a man of huge integrity, Andrew was very much respected. He had a real sense of fun and his mischievous sense of humour endeared him to everyone he met. He had a maturity beyond his years and a steely determination. A great competitor and a great sportsman, Andrew was a credit to his sport. A fine ambassador for Dungannon, this promising young star is a sad, sad loss.
Andrew’s was a life well lived, a life that brought joy to others. He could turn his hand to anything from Santa’s little helper to children’s entertainer or master magician. He could turn any situation around with just a look, a smile or a few words. He will be greatly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him, and that infectious and everlasting smile will never be forgotten. To his nephew’s, niece and to so many more, he was simply the greatest, a hero.
So Andrew, this is our tribute to you, because in a sky full of stars,
there will always be one that will shine that little bit brighter."
Obituary - Tyrone Courier
Memories of Ireland
I haven't been on here in a while Andrew, for some reason I've not been able to log into my account. I started up a new account for Zeus, and I knew I needed to talk to you. Ireland, 2009, some of the best times of my life. I met such wonderful people, you, Sharon, Timmy, Glenda, Flo, Mark and Kathryn, the racing family, I could go on forever, I could talk on here forever. I'm thinking of finally going back to Ireland this year, so I guess I'll see you there. Keep 'er lit my friend. xx
Forever Loved, Deperately Missed
I don't know why the world still turns,
The sun still shines, the clocks still chime.
Time can't change the way I feel,
This broken heart won't ever heal.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
ღ ღ ღ ღ All My Love Beautiful Angel ღ ღ ღ ღ
*ღ..........ღ* *ღ..........ღ* *ღ..........ღ* *ღ..........ღ* *ღ..........ღ*
*ღ.......ღ* *ღHeavenly *ღ.......ღ* *ღ shona sengupta. ..ღ*
*ღ..........ღ* *ღ..........ღ* *ღ..........ღ* *ღ..........ღ* *ღ..........ღ*
How will heaven be?
As far as I can see
It will have huge bells
And will be situated on clouds
It will have many golden wells
That will so often swell
Rain will be abundant
And the sun will shine all day long
Angels will play on the harp
The sweetest summer song
Music that will touch the heart
While those beneath will shed drops of sorrow
Little will they know what will happen on the morrow
But to them up above
As plain and clear it will be
As far as far as I can see
Yes there will be misty alleys
And lush green meadows
Fresh with the fragrant smell of spring
Winter will never be bitter
Summer never so hot
Autumn never so bare
And resources never so scarce
Food for all will be relished by all.
Grateful we’ll be as grateful can be
Mountains high and strong and brown
Surrounding that hidden land,
Beautiful and vast seas I see
There colour as blue as sapphire can be
And the white waves lashing upon the shore
Sitting on the flattened grey rocks
Who would not call it absolutely heavenly?
However it might actually be,
But can we still not see
There will lie behind this seen
A relieving feeling of bliss
For where not have we been
But is this not by all believed
That after one’s decease
This is the land of eternal peace
Where we all ultimately reach?
*ღ..........ღ* *ღ..........ღ* *ღ..........ღ* *ღ..........ღ* *ღ..........ღ*
I Am Not Gone
I am not gone
While you cry with me
I am not gone
While you smile with me
I am not gone
While you remember with me
I will come
When you call my name
I will come
When I feel your pain
I will come
On your final day
It could never be
That we
Would never be
We shall always
Be together
Forever
I am not gone
……. by Michael Ashby
Forever Loved, Desperately Missed
If I could have a lifetime wish,
A dream that would come true,
I’d pray to God with all my heart
For yesterday and you.
A thousand words can’t bring you back,
I know because I’ve tried,
And neither will a million tears,
I know because I’ve cried.
You left behind my broken heart
And the happiest memories too,
I never wanted memories Andrew,
I only wanted you.
'And I know that it's a wonderful world
but I can't feel it right now,
Well I thought that I was doing well
but I just want to cry now.
Well I know that it's a wonderful world
from the sky down to the sea
But I can only see it when you're here,
here with me.'
James Morrison - Wonderful World
Cookstown 100 – 2010 Programme
Andrew from Newmills, Co. Tyrone, died in a freak accident at Walderstown, Co. Westmeath, on Sunday, July 12.
Like Mark Young, Andrew was another fast rising star of road racing.
Though he had ten years of racing experience under his belt, it was in the past couple of years that he really began to impress.
At last year’s Cookstown 100 he had four top-six place finishes, the best of which was fourth in the 125cc race.
A few weeks later, at the North West 200, he was ninth in the 125cc and eighth in the 250cc which set him up well for his Isle of Man TT debut, where he recorded 16th and 19th places in the Supersport 600 races, and in the process lapped at over 120pmh.
He returned from the Island to score a 250cc victory at Bush, following that up with a second place to Michael Dunlop in the same class at Skerries.
His tragic death at Walderstown shocked everyone and robbed the sport of a true star.
Harry Havelin
Obituary – Road Racing Ireland
Andrew Neill wasn’t one of those racers who chased after the media in the paddocks. He seemed more than happy with just his own close circle of friends and family. Like many riders before him just when he looked like he was about to show his true potential this year after some promising rides especially in his last races at Skerries he loses his life.
The 27 year old certainly had plenty of road racing experience having competed at the Manx Grand Prix followed by the TT this year. At the TT he finished twice inside the top twenty in both Supersport races with his fastest lap at over 121mph. Back home he was the Dunlop’s main challenger in the 125 & 250 classes – he won the 250 race at the Bush from Michael. He received backing from the Moira Club and Derek Wray of D&G Wray Racing.
An investigation is still ongoing into his crash but it has been clearly established that his helmet was securely fastened despite some rumours at the time.
He recently married Sharon Turtle and they, along with Sharon’s racing brother Timmy, would often be found parked up together in the paddocks cracking jokes amongst themselves. As a mark of respect Timmy rode at Kells with Andrew’s number 76 the following week while Sharon watched from the sidelines.
Like most racers he wouldn’t want the sport to suffer over his loss and although we won’t forget him it’s up to us all to try and make the sport safer for those following in his footsteps.
We at Road Racing Ireland would like to pay our condolences to Sharon and the Neill family circle.
Leslie Moore
August 2009
Tribute to Andrew Neill
It was with great sadness and shock that we received a phone call telling us of the death of Andrew. It has not really sunk in at this moment and time but we want to acknowledge his contribution to the sport he loved so much.
Andrew and Sharon were always together and always smiling with a friendly word for everyone. They worked tirelessly promoting the team, we met up at many shows while we were advertising Kells. Andrew from Newmills, Dungannon supported every race, North or South and at 27 was much too young to leave us.
It seems inadequate to say to Sharon, the Neill family and all their many friends that we offer condolences but on behalf of the Kells Club I would like to say that Andrew will be missed from the paddock, we all thought 2009 would be his year he was going so well but sadly it was not to be. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Aileen Ferguson
Race Sec.
Kells MCRC.
Thinking of you
A hug can really say a thousand things
Never underestimate the hope it brings.
While a hug is free and is no big deal
Word free hugs say, I know how you feel.
A GTS hug can say even more
I know, I too have been there before.
A GTS hug says you will learn to cope
This from me, proves that there is hope.
With a hug, you learn to carry on
Although your beloved child has gone.
A GTS hug, will show that you deeply care
There are others who feel the same out there.
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Thinking of you and your family and friends at this sad time. Sending you all a big hug. Andrew, I hope you've met Stuart and can race him across the skies. Love Liz, Stuart's mum xxx
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