Hit-and-run road victim was 'a real gentleman'

By Ashleigh Wallace – 28 December 2006

A Co Antrim man who was knocked down and killed while enjoying a Boxing Day cycle was last night described as a "well-respected and well-liked gentleman".

Seamus Graffin (58) lost his life in a hit-and-run incident in Randalstown at 3.15pm on Tuesday.

Mr Graffin, from Antrim's Oriel Road, was cycling along Castle Road when his bicycle was in collision with a white Audi which failed to stop.

The vehicle was later found abandoned at the Ballygrooby roundabout.

Three men arrested in connection with the collision were in police custody last night.

Alderman Samuel Dunlop, mayor of Antrim Borough Council, said his thoughts and prayers were with the Graffin family.

He said: "I used to work with Seamus in Thorer UK and he was a well-respected and well-liked member of our community. He was a real gentleman and he will be sadly missed."

Mr Graffin was the fifth person killed on our roads since Friday.