A two-wheeled send off for Barnstaple motorcycle man Colin

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14:48 02 June 2015

Andy Keeble

Colin Ireland has died, aged 74. Picture: Submitted

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Procession of motorbikes expected at funeral of Ireland’s Motorcycles founder tomorrow.

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Colin Ireland has died, aged 74. Picture: Submitted

A large procession of motorcycles is expected at the funeral of well-known Barnstaple mechanic Colin Ireland tomorrow (Wednesday).

Colin, founder of Ireland’s Motorcycles, died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, in the early hours of May 14, aged 74.

Originally from Winkleigh, a lifetime of service to the automotive industry was inspired by his late father Thomas, who was head mechanic in the village’s Melhuish Garage for more than 40 years.

Colin left school in Chumleigh to begin an engineering course at North Devon College, and became a 16-year-old apprentice at West Cross Garage in Braunton.

He left the garage as manager in 1971 and started his own business in Gubbins Lane, Braunton.

Son Phil joined the firm in the mid-1970s and after a number of years the business, then known as Ireland’s Services, moved to Mill Road in Barnstaple, and eventually to the current site in Braunton Road in 1991.

At the same time, it became Ireland’s Motorcycles in recognition of the business’ status as a motorcycle dealership.

The family, including grandson Tom, who has also joined the firm, described Colin as a ‘hard working self-made man who took the positives from any situation’.

Phil said: “Dad had retired a few years earlier and was taking things easy due to his illness.

“But he still often came into the garage as he enjoyed a laugh with the lads – to him, it was as much a pleasure as it was a business. He was one of the lads, right up until the end.”

A funeral service will be held at the crematorium at 3pm tomorrow. There is no dress code and anyone wishing to pay their respects is welcome.

All bikers wishing to attend are invited to join the funeral procession, starting at Ireland’s Motorcycles at 2.30pm.

A two-wheeled send off for Barnstaple motorcycle man Colin