Former Ireland international and Ulster rugby player David Tweed has died following a vehicle collision in County Antrim on Thursday.
The Press Association reported Tweed died at the scene on Whitepark Road near Dunseverick after he was involved in a crash while riding his motorbike.
It's understood Tweed's motorcycle was involved in a collision with a car shortly before 4.30pm on Thursday (Oct. 28).
Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the incident, including drivers in the area at the time who may have captured footage of the crash.
The 61-year-old represented Ireland's men's rugby team on four occasions, having won his first cap against France in the 1995 Five Nations tournament at the age of 35.
He also made more than 30 appearances as a lock for provincial outfit Ulster.
Ballymoney-born Tweed was a member of the Orange Order—a protestant group based in Northern Ireland—but had his membership revoked after he was convicted of gross indecency and indecent assault of two young girls in 2012.
Those convictions were later quashed by the Court of Appeal in Belfast in 2016, leading to his release from custody, where he had been serving an eight-year sentence.
Following his playing career, Tweed also served as a councillor for the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) in his local Ballymena.
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) politician Mervyn Storey described Mr Tweed as a "larger than life character."
"I was stunned when I heard the news," he said. "David joined our church in Ballymoney over a year ago and would be the first through the door and always had a big smile on his face.
"It is well known that he had some difficult and sad times in his life and it is very upsetting to hear of his passing."
Meanwhile, TUV leader Jim Alister said he was "deeply saddened" by the news of Tweed's death, expressing "sincere sympathy to his grieving family and wide circle of friends."
John Finlay is a fellow 'Orangeman' and long-term friend of Tweed's, who also serves as a Causeway Coast and Glens councillor
“Very sad to learn of the death of my good friend and Brother David Tweed," he commented.
“I have known Davy all my life and I am just devastated by the news of his passing. We in Dunloy will be much poorer for his passing
“The family are in my prayers.”
