Glenn Allen, right, was well respected on the rallying scene

Glenn, who ran a car body repair shop near the town with his son Philip, was said to have been at a friend’s wedding party at the Royal Court Hotel on Saturday evening.

But instead of taking a taxi back to the holiday home in which he was staying, it is understood he “decided to walk home”.

Police said his 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.

Cookstown UUP councillor Trevor Wilson has extended his sympathies to the father-of-two’s family in the run up to Christmas.

“It’s devastating news once again of a well known business man in the town,” he told the Mail.

“He was at a wedding in Portrush and for some reason he decided to walk home.

“Glenn was well respected within the rallying fraternity and was known as a hard worker,” Cllr Wilson added.

“My thought and prayers are with his family at this sad time.”

A “hard man to beat”, Irish Rallying has also paid tribute to Glenn on its Facebook page: “Very sad to hear the passing of Glenn Allen.. Glenn was no stranger to the forestry stages and was always a hard man to beat.”

While Glenn’s close friend, Alan McGeehan said on his Facebook page: “I cannot believe I am putting this up, but a very good and close friend has been taken away from us. Glenn Allen, the world will not be the same without you boss.”

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Glenn online, with many extending their sympathies to his family in relation to the tragic news.

Cookstown’s Tyre Safety Centre said: “Very sad when a local community has to say an early goodbye to a legend.

Rip big man. ‪#‎catchmeifyoucan.”‬