Tributes pour in for popular biker

HUNDREDS of tributes have been pouring for a popular biker who lived in Co Carlow who was killed in a road accident on Sunday. Christian (Danish Paddy) Rasmussen was out for a spin on his motorbike with a friend on Sunday when, just before 12.30pm, he was involved in a collision with a car on the M50 in the Lucan area.

Christian (51) was originally from Denmark but had been living in Ireland for years, most recently in Kilmeaney, Carlow. He was very well known in biking circles and beyond, and was hugely liked and respected.

He was also great with his hands and could make or fix things. He worked in maintenance at Minch Malt Ltd in Athy. 

In a statement Boormalt, owners of Minch Malt Ltd said: "Christian was a contractor who worked at our Minch Malt site in Athy for several years and was highly regarded. The loss comes as an utter shock to all of his colleagues and our heartfelt condolences go out to Christian's family".

Christian had recently bought a new Harley Davidson bike, of which he was very proud.

Christian was a member of the Kildare chapter of the Devils Disciples Motorcycle Club, taking part in ride-outs and participating in several fundraising bike runs, including the Ali Byrne Memorial Bike Run.

“We’ve known Christian for years. He was always involved in our bike run, helping us to raise money for various charities. Christian was part of that – it’s very sad,” said David Enright, organiser of the bike run.

“For a lad who was born in Denmark, he was known by everybody here. He’d go out for spins with people and get involved in events – that’s how people knew him. He’ll be well missed.” David posted on the event’s Facebook page: ‘So sad to hear of the passing of Christian Rasmussen. He brightened the lives of all he met and he rode in every Ali Byrne run from its inception. May he rest in eternal peace.’ John Glendon, who owns the Pint Depot in the Royal Oak, Bagenalstown and is a fellow biker, also knew and liked Christian.

“We called him Danish Paddy, everyone did. He was at a party here recently and was often in here. He was a lovely guy. We’ve ridden together over the years. He’ll be a big loss to the biking community,” said John.

Hundreds of tributes were paid to Christian on Sunday straight after the news of his fatal accident broke. Individual bikers and motorcycle clubs alike paid their respects.

A friend from the Devils Disciples, who had met Christian on Sunday morning just before he embarked on his last, fatal ride, left a heartbreaking message on the Devils Disciples Facebook page, reminding people how fragile life is. It said: ‘Ride free in the forever Chapter, my brother. I will cherish our last bike ride today, our conversation and laughter over breakfast, that final wave from one brother to another as we went our separate ways, only then to receive the awful news. A true gentleman and brother. Rest in peace, Danish Paddy.’ 

He was predeceased by his brother Henrik and will be sadly missed by his heartbroken father Soren, Soren’s partner Mary and the Quinlan family, uncle, aunts, cousins, relatives and his motorcycle friends especially those in the Devils Disciples MC.

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances of the fatal crash on Sunday and are appealing for information from the public, particularly motorists who were near Junction 7 at the Lucan/Palmerston exit. Any road users who may have camera footage, including dashcam, and were travelling on the M50 in both directions at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.