Motorcycle world pays tribute as ‘talented sporting legend’ killed
TRIBUTES WERE paid yesterday to a member of the renowned Dunlop racing family who has died after a crash during a practice run.
William Dunlop was taking part in the Skerries 100 motorcycle road race in County Dublin on Saturday when he was killed.
Dunlop, who was from Ballymoney, County Antrim in Northern Ireland, was hailed as a “talented sporting legend” by the DUP’s leader Arlene Foster, who added that he “will be forever remembered for his many achievements”.
The 32-year-old from Northern Ireland died after he crashed on the race route near Skerries with his younger brother Michael riding behind him.
The father-of-one was the son of racing legend Robert Dunlop, who was killed in the North West 200 in 2008, and nephew of Joey Dunlop who died in Estonia in 2000.
Gardai said yesterday’s race went ahead as planned after the Dunlop family and the motorcycle club said it would be a fitting tribute to the talented racer.
A statement from Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club said that the entire prize fund would go to the rider’s family.
Liam Beckett, a former mechanic of Robert Dunlop and close friend of the family, said he was “heartbroken” over the death.
Members of the public have been laying flowers at the feet of the bronze statue of Robert at the Dunlop memorial garden in Ballymoney.
Northern Ireland golfer Graeme McDowell said yesterday that it was a “tragic situation”.
Speaking at the Irish Open in Co Donegal, said: “It’s such a dangerous sport, they stand in front of the camera and they know the dangers that face them out there but it’s in their blood and it’s what they love to do.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.”
Fellow golfer Rory McIlory added: “I think it’s unfortunate, what the family have been through has been horrendous. Everyone’s thoughts are with the family.”
Joey Dunlop holds the record for the most Isle of Man TT wins with 26, and is regarded as “one of the greatest motorcycling legends of all time”, according to the race website. Dunlop’s brother, Michael, has registered 18 wins on the course.