THOSE who have lost loved ones in motorcycle accidents know all too well that life can change in an instant.

Newtownbutler man, Damian McCabe, lost his life at just age 29, when his motorbike was hit by a drink driver. 

He died doing what he loved. On the evening of the fatal collision - August 16, 1998 - he was returning from the Glaslough Races with friends.

Other riders were also injured in the collision, and Damian's passing caused widespread shock across the local community. 

"Damian's passing was a massive blow to the family," said his sister, Sinead. "It was even more raw as we had just lost our parents. 

He was the first of the siblings to die, and he left behind wife, Karen, and a baby boy, Matthew, who was only six months old."

According to Ms. McCabe, her late brother could "light up any room", and adored driving, whether it be motorbikes or lorries. 

And for the family circle, anger still lingers at what happened that day. Having their lives changed in an instant at the hands of a drink driver, has been a hard road to walk; its a journey of grief that will never end. 

She continued: "He was just out doing something he loved, and a drunk driver came along and changed everyone's lives in a single moment. 

"The car came over the white line and hit Damian. He was killed instantly. 

"Death is one thing, but the death of a young person is quite another. It moulds your life on a pathway. You appreciate that everyday isn't a given. We know first-hand how it can be changed in seconds."

Ms. McCabe added that her brother's passing, in the most tragic of circumstances, really brought home just how important road safety is for bikers. 

She has subsequently called on motorists - including car and lorry drivers - to be mindful of bikers on road. 

"Road safety is important at all times, but especially so at this time of year," she said. "Motorists need to be more aware of the road, and understand that bikers can be harder to see. 

"Always take into account weather conditions. If it's really sunny or rainy it's much harder to see a biker coming. Some motorists take unnecessary risk, especially when pulling out from junctions. It only takes two seconds for a biker to come around the corner."

Ms. McCabe continued: "No one wants to be the person that causes a crash. I know bikers that been injured because road users haven't the proper movements on the road. Many accidents are caused by a lack of due care and attention.

"Everyone needs to be safer on the roads. Life is a gift, and once it's gone, it's gone. We were a family left without parents, and then Damian was taken from us. 

"Everything was changed that day."