Former Ireland and Ulster rugby player David Tweed dies following crash on North Coast

By Rebecca Black, PA

Former Ireland rugby international David Tweed has died in a road crash in Co. Antrim. 

Mr Tweed, also a former Ulster rugby star and member of the Orange Order, was riding a motorbike when he was involved in the collision with a car on the Whitepark Road, close to Dunseverick. 

It happened at around 4.30pm yesterday. 

He died at the scene.

In 2016, Mr Tweed had his convictions for child sex abuse quashed by the Court of Appeal in Belfast.

He was then released from custody where he had been serving an eight-year sentence.

The father of four became Ireland’s oldest debutant when he was selected to play against France in the Five Nations in 1995.

That year, he won another three Irish caps including one against Japan at the Rugby World Cup in South Africa.

He also played for Ireland against Wales and Italy.

His staunch unionist views made the outspoken player a divisive and controversial presence for Irish fans.

He was a former member of the Orange Order and entered politics with the Rev Ian Paisley’s Democratic Unionist Party after his lodge LOL 496 was prevented from marching through Dunloy during the mid-1990s.

He later served as a councillor in Ballymena for the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV).

TUV leader Jim Allister said he was "deeply saddened" when he heard the news of Mr Tweed's passing. 

“Davy, a larger than life character, was widely known across North Antrim and further afield. His family is deeply rooted and respected in the Ballymoney/Dunloy community.

“This is a devastating blow to his family and wide circle of friends. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to his grieving family at this very difficult time.”

"I want to express my deepest sympathies to David's family circle and his wide circle of friends. 

"The Tweed family are very well known in the Ballymoney and Dunloy areas and no doubt this is a devastating time for them.

"They are in the thoughts and prayers of many." 

Jim Allister speaking to Q Radio