John O’Donovan has been named as the rider who died in a crash at the Southern 100 motorcycle road race.
O’Donovan was involved in a crash in the Junior Support race, which was the second race of the day.
The race was red flagged after the accident before the rest of the race meeting was abandoned.
O’Donovan is the second rider from Kinsale in County Cork to lose their life in a road racing accident in three days after James Walsh died on Friday, six days after a crash at the Tandragee 100.
A statement from West Cork Motorcycle Club confirmed O’Donovan’s death with “profound sadness”.
“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,” the statement said.
“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.”
The Skerries 100, which takes place in County Dublin, was returning for the first time in four years after road racing was impacted by rising insurance costs in the Republic of Ireland.
Northern Ireland rider William Dunlop was the last rider to lose their life at the Skerries 100 in 2018.
On Saturday, his brother Michael, who has a record 36 wins at the Isle of Man TT, won the opening race at the 2026 races before O’Donovan’s fatal accident.
The fatality is the third death at a road race on the island of Ireland in 2026.
On Friday, Irish rider Walsh passed away after an accident at the Tandragee 100 road race in Northern Ireland six days earlier.
In May, Czech Republic rider Kamil Holan died in an accident in Superbike qualifying at the North West 200 international road race at Station Corner.
Later that month, English rider Dan Ingham was killed in an accident during a practice session at the Isle of Man TT.