Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
RACE HERO WILLIAM DIES AT 32
Motorcycling world left stunned after star killed during practice round
ROAD racer William Dunlop was killed in a crash yesterday – just like his dad Robert and uncle Joey.
The 32-year-old died at around 5pm during practice for the Skerries 100 event on the outskirts of Dublin.
His famous father was fatally injured preparing for the North West 200 a decade ago.
DUP leader Arlene Foster said last night: “Motorcycling was his life and he will be forever remembered for his many achievements.”
WILLIAM Dunlop had been considering his future in road racing in the days prior to his tragic death yesterday.
The 32-year-old dad of one was killed during practice for the Skerries 100 in Co Dublin at around 5pm.
His partner Janine is heavily pregnant with their second child and it is that looming addition which had left the Ballymoney man seriously contemplating hanging up his leathers. Tragically, he never got the chance.
Yesterday tea-time, with his beloved race star brother Michael nearby, William was involved in a collision on his Yamaha bike.
A short time later came confirmation of the news the racing world had feared.
A statement on behalf of the organisers read: “The Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club, organisers of the Skerries 100, deeply regrets to announce competitor William Dunlop of Ballymoney, Co Antrim, has passed away following injuries received in a tragic accident that occurred during practice which took place today.
“The Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club extends their heartfelt sympathy to William Dunlop’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very sad time.”
Ten years after his dad Robert died in practice for the NW200 and 18 years on from his uncle Joey’s death, the Dunlop family was once again plunged into the deepest of mourning.
And matriarch May Dunlop is left contemplating the death of a grandson as well as that of two of her sons.
The tragedy is even more poignant given yesterday marked William’s return to action after taking an extended break from the saddle.
Last month he pulled out of the
TT races on the Isle of Man having suffered bruising to his back in a crash at the North West 200 in May.
And as he convalesced, he revealed personal issues had left him considering whether to come back to the sport.
He told supporters last month: “It has been a difficult few weeks but things have made a turn for the better for myself and Janine, we are expecting a second baby but, unfortunately, we received terrible news at our 20-week scan and were referred to a specialist.
“My head wasn’t in the races and my thoughts were always at what was happening at home. My family will always come first so I made the decision to come home.
“I have a few weeks to rest my body and recover from the NW200 crash and also think about my future. I will sit with my sponsors in time and see where we all stand.”
The latest tragedy to befall the Dunlop family is also one that will be strongly felt in their home town of Ballymoney.
North Antrim DUP MLA Mervyn Storey said: “This is a tragedy beyond belief. The Dunlop family has again been plunged into grief.
“William Dunlop was a legend in his own right, on and off the road. He was a household name. Everyone in Northern Ireland will be saddened by this news.
“However the sadness will be particularly felt in his home town of Ballymoney. The
The entire family circle will be remembered by everyone during this difficult time
MLA MERVYN STOREY YESTERDAY
Dunlop family are well known and greatly respected in our town and further afield, we feel the great loss and sadness at this news.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family circle at this time. The entire family circle will be remembered by everyone during this difficult time.”
His party leader Arlene Foster added: “Shocked and saddened by the passing of Northern Ireland’s talented sporting legend William Dunlop.
“Motorcycling was his life and he will be forever remembered for his many achievements, both in Ballymoney and across the world.”
A spokesman for the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club said members were left heartbroken by the tragedy.
He added: “The Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club are beyond devastated to learn of the death of our club member and local road racing legend William Dunlop after he was involved in an incident in today’s practice sessions at the Skerries 100.
“Our deepest sympathy goes to his partner Janine and daughter Ella, mother Linda, brothers Michael and Daniel, Granny May, the Dunlop family, William’s friends, team and wider circle.”
Sinn Fein North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan said William was “a hero to many”.
He added: “This is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts and prayers are with the Dunlop family at this difficult time. “Motorbike racing is very popular throughout Ireland but nowhere more is that the case than in North Antrim. William was a hero to many in these parts and the community will be devastated at this news.”