Son of Cookstown man Glenn Allen pays tribute to dad he ‘idolised’ after Portrush tragedy

Mr Allen’s body was discovered at the side of a road leading into Portrush, sparking a police investigation.

It is understood he had chosen to walk the two miles from the wedding party at the Royal Court Hotel to the holiday home where he was staying.

Glenn ran a car body repair shop near the town with his 23-year-old son Philip.

Philip said: “I’m going to miss him... I love him to bits and he’s been my mentor all through my life, he pushed me on through loads of ups and downs.

“He gave my good advice all through my life, only for him I would have very little to do. I’d idolised my dad growing up and he was a great inspiration.

“I was at the wedding too and I watched him walk out and thought he was getting a taxi. You just don’t expect it, he was perfectly healthy, he enjoyed the craic and was the life and soul of the party.

“He couldn’t ask for any better than my dad, every one knew him and he didn’t have any enemies, everyone loved him.

“If I do half as well as he did, I’ll be very happy,” he told the Telegraph.

“We were standing at the bar and he made fun of us drinking and I was making fun of him and that was that,” said Philip who has a sister Nicola, 21.

Police said Glenn’s body was discovered by a member of the public at 9am on Dunluce Road, which remains closed.

The PSNI said it is still working to determine the cause of his death, with a post mortem due to take place this morning.

Hundreds have paid tribute to the well known and respected businessman, who was well thought of in rallying circles.