Race ace Dunlop was 'inspiration'

Mourners at the funeral of motorcycling legend Robert Dunlop have heard him described as an "inspiration".

More than 5,000 people attended the funeral of the 47-year-old at Garryduff Presbyterian Church near Ballymoney.

The racer died in a high-speed crash during a practice lap for the 250cc race at the North West 200 on Thursday.

Rev John Kirkpatrick, chaplain of the Motorcycle Union of Ireland, said Mr Dunlop was a man who persevered in adversity and pushed himself to limits.

"We live in a world where not many people finish what they start, not all persevere in adversity or push themselves to their potential and this makes those such as Robert stand out from the crowd," he said.

First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness attended the service along with sports Minister Edwin Poots.

A minute's silence was held at the opening game of the Ulster Football Championship in his memory.

After the service Mr Dunlop was buried in the adjoining cemetery where his brother, Joey, was buried in 2000.

The service was also conducted by the minister of Garryduff, Rev John Gilkinson.

They are the same ministers who conducted Joey's funeral.

Three books of condolence have been opened for Mr Dunlop in his home town. Tributes to the dead motor biker have poured in.

Robert was one of NI's best known and most experienced riders

The father-of-three came off his bike in the 250cc qualifying session near Portrush.

It is thought the riders had been travelling at speeds of about 160mph as they approached the Mathers Cross section of the course.

Dunlop's bike appeared to seize and he went over the handlebars. He died later in hospital.

His son, Michael, went on to win the race on Saturday, dedicating his victory to his father.

Dunlop made his debut on the Northern Ireland roads as a teenager in 1979 and went on to claim his first major win in the Isle of Man in 1983 when he won the Newcomers 350cc race at the Manx Grand Prix.

The Motorcycling Union of Ireland and PSNI are investigating the incident.

Mr Dunlop is also survived by his wife Louise and other sons William and Daniel.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version