By Richard Petrie BBC Sport

Irish road racing was dealt another severe blow with the death of the very talented and very likeable Martin Finnegan at Saturday's Tandragee 100.

Martin Finnegan was one of motorcycling's best exponents

Finnegan had just won the Open race, his first Tandragee success and his 43rd Irish road race victory, when he suffered fatal injuries in a crash in the Supersport 600cc race.

The Dubliner began his two-wheel career by competing in motocross, cultivating a spectacular style of riding that would go on to thrill many thousands of fans when he moved on to his first love, real road racing.

For while the 29-year-old flirted with short circuit competition at British championship level, it was road racing in which he excelled.

He first came to prominence by winning the Manx Grand Prix Junior Newcomers event in 2000 and went on to build a huge fanbase throughout Ireland and beyond, admired for his skill and bravery on the track and his friendly, affable personality off it.

Finnegan was one of the very best road racers of his generation, one of that 'special breed' and a hero to many.

Riding in the colours of Round Tower Racing, Vitrans Honda, Klaffi Honda, MV Agusta and JMF Millsport Yamaha, he enjoyed considerable success, including three Irish championships and podium places at the North West 200, Isle of Man TT and the Ulster Grand Prix.

He also enjoyed the distinction of being the fastest ever Irish rider around the Isle of Man TT course, a feat he achieved during the 2005 Senior TT.

His popularity with the fans was evidenced by winning the 2004 Enkalon Irish Motorcyclist of the Year Award, an accolade which is voted for by fans of all motorcycling disciplines.

Finnegan attracted much attention by riding for the famous MV Agusta marque last season and finished just outside the top three in the highly competitive TT Superstock race.

This year he was even more upbeat and dedicated than usual, having decided to concentrate on the international road races, plus selected national events, in partnership with the Ballymoney-based JMF Millsport team.

Impressive performances at the Cookstown 100 indicated a good season ahead and that win in Saturday's Open race proved he was ready to mix it with the best at this year's 'big three' internationals.

Unfortunately it was not to be and road racing has lost another of its major stars, so soon after the passing of Gary Jess, Finnegan's close friend Richard Britton, Darran Lindsay and John Donnan, in recent seasons.

He will be sadly missed by all in the road racing fraternity, but most particularly by his family, and the absence of the 'number 45' will leave a massive void in the paddock and cast a shadow over the forthcoming North West 200 and Isle of Man TT.