A TIGHT-KNIIT local community will today bid farewell to well-known young mechanic Keith Robinson as he is laid to rest following his tragic death at the weekend. 

In the early hours of Sunday morning, the 24-year-old was killed in a quad bike accident on the Aghintain Road just outside Fivemiletown. The PSNI said the quad was the only vehicle involved.

“The deceased was riding a quad bike that was involved in the collision which was reported to police shortly after 5am,” a police spokesman said.

A former pupil of Fivemiletown College, Mr Robinson worked as a mechanic in Coote’s Garage in Ballygawley.

Local UUP Cllr Victor Warrington said Fivemiletown and the surrounding area had been left in a state of sadness and shock following the tragic circumstances of Mr Robinson’s death. He said everyone’s thoughts were with the Robinson family circle at this difficult time.

“It’s the news that nobody wants to wake up to,” Cllr Warrington told the Herald.

“I knew Keith and the family. The family are well known in Fivemiletown and with Keith being a mechanic, he was very interested in cars and other vehicles. 

“Everyone in the district is totally shocked. Anyone I have met are talking about the tragedy and their thoughts were obviously with the family.”

Local MP Tom Elliott also expressed his condolences.

“This is a huge shock and naturally a very difficult time for his family. My sympathies are with them at this time. With people in the rural commuity using quad bikes accidents can happen and it is unforunate that we have witnessed a fatality,” he said.

Mr Robinson was the son of Harold and Elizabeth of 23 Ballylurgan in Fivemiletown and a much brother of Lesley-Ann and brother-in-law of Rodney. 

Friends of the deceased have also expressed their shock following the popular young man’s death. 

Donna Wigham from Fivemiletown posted a photo on Facebook of Mr Robinson on a yellow quad bike. She wrote: “So many memories of a lovely fella! Sleep easy Keith Robinson x”. Mark Patterson from Fivemiletown posted this message about his friend: “A best friend was taken from me today. Hard to believe you’re gone. Hopefully we will meet again some day. RIP wee man.” Eireen McAleer from Omagh paid tribute to her friend: “I’m in total shock. Can’t believe you’re gone but never forgotten, you’ll be dearly missed by friends and family. You’ll always be in my mind. Rest in paradise Keith xox”. 

A post mortem on Mr Robinson’s body was carried out on Monday. His funeral will take place today (Wednesday) from his home at 1.30pm for Service in St John’s Parish Church, Fivemiletown at 2pm with burial afterwards in the adjoining Churchyard.

Police have appealed for anyone who was travelling on the Aghintain Road early on Sunday morning and who witnessed the collision to contact local police in Dungannon or the Collision Investigation Unit on 101.