Tributes paid to 'sporting legend' William Dunlop
- Published
'One of the nicest young men you could ever meet' - Liam Beckett remembers William Dunlop
Tributes have been paid to William Dunlop after he was killed in an incident at the Skerries 100 road races in County Dublin on Saturday.
Dunlop, 32, was taking part in practice for the event when the crash happened.
The Ballymoney man was a member of the renowned Dunlop family and was a winner at the North West 200 and Ulster GP.
William's father Robert died as a result of an accident at the North West 200 in 2008, while his uncle Joey was killed in a crash in Estonia in 2000.
A statement released by the Loughshinny Club, the organisers of the Skerries 100, said that they "deeply regretted that William Dunlop has passed away following injuries received in a tragic accident that occurred during practice which took place today, 7 July 2018".
It is understood that William was taking part in an Open race practice session on his Temple Golf Club-backed R1 Yamaha when he crashed at the Sam's Tunnel section of the 2.9-mile circuit on the third lap at about 17:00 BST.
William Dunlop, pictured in 2014 with his partner Janine
Red flags were immediately displayed to halt the session and medics and Gardaí (Irish police) attended the scene.
Family, friend and politicians have been paying tribute to the County Antrim man.
BBC Northern Ireland Sports presenter Stephen Watson described him as "one of the nicest, most genuine people you could ever meet".
The DUP leader Arlene Foster said she was "shocked and saddened" by the passing of a "talented sporting legend".
Former Northern Ireland footballer Keith Gillespie said it was devastating news and "a nicer guy you couldn't wish to meet".
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The motorcycle racing community has also paid tribute to him .
Eleven-times North West 200 winner Phillip McCallen tweeted that Dunlop was "one of the most genuine people you could ever meet".
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"I'm absolutely gutted. We all feel the hurt for the family. It's another sad day for road racing," said Dungannon-based road race champion Ryan Farquhar.
North West 200 Race Director Mervyn Whyte said his heart broke when he heard the news.
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"He was an absolute gentlemen" he said.
Radio Ulster motorcycle racing analyst Liam Beckett knows the family well and described him as "one of the nicest, most humble, unassuming young lads you could ever wish to meet in life".
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The late Joey Dunlop's wife Linda said words could not describe how the family was feeling.
"My whole love goes out to Janine Brolly (William Dunlop's partner) and wee Ella and all the family - and I know that my son Gary Dunlop will be breaking his heart right now," she said.
William Dunlop in practice action at the Skerries 100 on Saturday
"I have to say William just reminds me so much of Joey in is mannerism and a lovely kind family man," she added.
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He achieved four wins at the North West 200, including successes in the 125cc and 250cc races in 2009, a Supersport triumph in 2012 and a Superbike victory in 2014.
William Dunlop (right) pictured with his brother Michael, late father Robert and mother Louise on the occasion of Robert being granted the Freedom of the Borough of Ballymoney
William won seven races at the Ulster Grand Prix in Dundrod, three in the Supersport class, two on 125cc machines and two in the 250cc class.
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His best result at the TT was a second place in TT Zero in 2016, while he also finished third on four separate occasions.
- Attribution
- Published8 July 2018
- Attribution
- Published7 July 2018
