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Last Updated: 6 Apr 2018 - 3:10:13 PM |
He was simply one of the best in his day. Sadly last evening the Ballymena Road Club cyclist, Billy Kerr passed away. Billy Kerr brought not only the club to a higher level but he was renowned for his ability to perform at international level.
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| Billy Kerr - May he rest in peace |
He was at his best in the late 1970's. He brought further success for club and country when he the Tour of the North in 1978 and 79 and immediately after his second victory won the Sealink International Stage Race in England. His list of wins is an indication as to the ability of the man. He won Ras Tailteann, the Tour of Ireland, Northern Ireland and All Ireland race championships.
In the race against the clock in one solitary season he won all six time trial championships 25, 50 and 100 miles Northern Ireland and All Ireland competitions.
Of late he has been suffering bad health, but for those of us who remembered his prowess, a light went out last evening. R.I.P.
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| Billy Kerr with Stephen Roche and Russell McCullough (Ballymena RC) - Photo courtesy of Bronagh Kirk. |
Funeral Arrangements:
- Everyone welcome at Billy's house.
- Family Flowers only!
- Service is at 2.15pm from Billy's house on Sunday 19th August.
- Funeral will leave Billy's house at 2.30pm for Kirkinriola graveyard in Ballymena
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We got this nice email from Tommy Mannion in Boston.
I just saw the notice about Billy - I am so sad to hear that, God I must be getting old!! In the same year we loose probably my favourite riders that I had the pleasure (or misfortune.. depending how you look at it) of racing with - Billy and Seamus Kennedy. Those two guys were also two of the nicest guys you could ever meet - and they were tough guys! - on the bike they took no prisoners, but off the bike they were super nice gentlemen - both.
A sad year really!
I had the pleasure of racing the Milk Race and Sealink on the same team as Billy in 1980 and '81 - I was so impressed with him as a man never mind as a rider, and remember this was in a time when Irish Cycling was "devided" by politics. I believe it was because of guys like Billy, Seamus Kennedy and Seamus O'Hanlon and the McQuaids and others that we have such a good scene in Ireland now.
R.I.P. - King Billy
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