Tributes paid and flowers laid after tragedy of Dunlop death

By Simon Hunter

Tragedy has once again struck Northern Irish motorsport with the death of William Dunlop.

The Ballymoney racer has died at the age of 32.

The North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix winner lost his life in practice for the Skerries 100 in Dublin.

He was a member of the world-famous Dunlop dynasty; his father Robert lost his life at the NW200 in 2008, while his Uncle Joey was killed in Estonia in 2000.

North West Event Director Mervyn Whyte knew him well, and told Q Radio he's heartbroken.

He says his thoughts are with those who loved him so dearly.

Shocked and saddened by the passing of NI’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.

— Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) July 7, 2018

Family friend and football manager Liam Beckett's been speaking to Q Radio.

The organisers of the event at which William was racing, have released a statement.

"Following discussion with the family, their sponsors and fellow riders, the Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club Ltd have taken the decision to continue with the Skerries 100 on the 8th July. The club with the riders permission have decide to race with the entire prize fund to go to William's Family. It will be a non-championship meeting and the club hope everyone will consider this a fitting tribute to William and his previous race performance and results at the Skerries 100

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."

Susan Plunkett, Clerk of Course of the Loughshinny Motor Cycle Supporters Club Ltd. 

Last night, flowers were laid at the Dunlop Memorial Garden in Ballymoney, where there are statues to William's father Robert, and uncle Joey.

Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

Can I just say a massive thank you to the 100’s of people who have been in touch with me by calls, texts, emails, tweets etc regarding William, too many to reply to individually, but neither I nor Williams family will ever forget your kindness. Like so many I am heartbroken.

— Liam Beckett MBE (@liam_beckett) July 8, 2018

North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey commented:

“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 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 their time. The entire family circle will be remembered by everyone during this difficult time. We assure them of our support as they face the coming days.”

Other stars from the sporting world have sent their condolences:

Absolutely devastating news about William Dunlop. A golfing friend of mine and there’s no words what the family have to go through again. A nicer guy you couldn’t wish to meet. #ripwillie

— Keith Gillespie (@KeithGillespie7) July 8, 2018

So sad to hear about William Dunlop. Thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time. Gone too soon

— Tommy Bowe (@TommyBowe14) July 7, 2018