 As thousands of motorcycle racing fans flock to Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast to follow their idols at the NW 200, it's hard to believe that mindless thugs would destroy a harmless yet extremely emotive memorial to one of Ulster's greatest sporting heroes.
But in the small hours of Thursday 13th May 2004, a stone plaque in the Joey Dunlop memorial garden, in Ballymoney, was smashed to pieces. Why ?
As people from the area and NW200 fans from further afield made clear their disgust at this act of vandalism, Joey's Mother summed up the pointlessness of the attack : "I'm just so angry that anyone would do the like of this, as Joey made no difference to either the rich, the poor, the Catholic or the Protestant".
Usually the BBC and the media in general have to try to show both sides of an argument, but how can any sane person argue a case where this behavior is acceptable ?
What`s your view ? Add a comment at the bottom of the page. Your Replies G.van Veluw,Netherlands - Feb '08
It's a shame to do such things,to destroy that monument.No words for such a vandalisme. Pete Hurst - May '07
Yet again you have to shake your head at how many mindless individuals are still making our lives a total misery.
How can anyone do this to someone who gave so much enjoyment is very hard to understand.
ps what will these people be remember for ? Fan No. 1 - Feb '07
Why...........wasn't an airport named for Joey??..He was as everyone agrees, an excellent sportsman and a fine ambassador for this wee country....so why so little in the line of accolades? No offence to George Best but...how many years did he actually play football...let's face it, he was more famous for being a drunk.
Dougie Meikle - Feb '07
Why Oh Why ? would these mindless individuals do a thing like this Joey Dunlop was a man of the people no matter what creed or religion they were ,I think a certain amout of jealousy is involved here, these people should be ashamed of what they have done. I am really angry about what has happened.
Tom Cudworth - Dec '06
Anyonw know how I can get in touch with Terry Magee. Or does anyone have any information about Geoff Barry as I am his nephew and am trying to find out more about him? Thanks, Tom. John Phoenix - Sep '06
These vandals, who have no conscience, could not possibly be humbled by Joey’s outstanding achievements, I have visited the memorial in January of this year and was mesmerized by the atmosphere just being there.
So a message for these destructive fools, you did not spoil it for me. P Deaves - Aug '06
Joey - what a great lad, the best. Jim (Belfast) - Aug '06
Simple as this we live in a society of bigotry and hatred there will allways be a minority of brain dead people who in the words of Paul Simon hear what they want to hear and disregard the rest. The Ecclesville Bard - Jan '06
Just why any Individual(s) would want to destroy a memorial to a sporting hero is beyond me!
Joey Dunlop was a sporting ambassador, a man of exceptional talent and bravery. Motorcycle enthusiasts from Ireland, Europe and throughout the world were in awe at his prowess on a motorcycle, he was a man who always uped the ante, his historic wins on the Isle of Man speaks volumes for his ability as probably the world's greatest road-racer.
On the way home from a community conference on the North Antrim coast about a year ago, we stopped at Joey Dunlop's Memorial to take some photographs and I remember saying 'It is a fitting tribute to a brave sporting hero, a thoroughly deserved tribute to a man who eventually lost his life participating in the sport that he nurtured and loved."
Terry Magee - June '05
Can anyone please give me the details regarding the accident RE Geoff Barry 1977 as just prior to this race I had been Geoffs mechanic for some eight years and did not prepare his bikes for this meeting and I am still blaming myself for the death of one of motorcyclings true gentlemen. Terry Magee. Tracey Cooke - June '05
Joey was the best. it`s that simple! there will never be another like him, many have tried, some still try, but it`s just a waste of time.he will live on forever in our hearts Viktor Blain - May '05
Robert needs to retire now before he ends up like joey. Phillip Padden - March 05
Joey dunlop was my favourite bike rider and when he died I was devastated. Hhe was a kind helpful person. I wish I could have met him. Mitchell - December '04
This act of vandalism disgusts me to the core. I would give anything to have been sitting in that garden when the thugs came to do the damage, they would have felt the full force of my wrath, fueled by the awesome respect I have for Joey Dunlop. The best thing is, while these little, pathetic excuses for people get their rocks off by doing something so stupid, no-one but no-one can take away from the greatness that was and still is (the memory of) Joey. They cannot hurt the reputation of a hero once he has departed from this world. Respect is a rarity in this day and age, so when you see it, it stands out, it makes a statement. Much more so than some stupid act of vandalism, and the dopes that did it. 'YER MAUN'.
Victor Blain - November - '04
I feel sick looking at this sort of thing, but the people that done this could not lace Joey's boots. Shamon - September 2004
There are no words to describe what lobotomised idiots did the vandalism, well perhaps just a ned with nothing better to do Joey is at rest whilst you toil Martin McCrellis - May 2004
I think this was a tragic incident that hurt everyone. John Beattie - May 2004
How would the thugs that smashed up Joey's plaque like this done to any of their parents' plaque in the name of their memory. Joey was a great sporting hero in this country of ours. He had time for everyone young and old; catholic or protestant. All he wanted to do was race. He will always be in my memory and I'm glad that some kind person has offered to fix it up free of charge, that is a sporting thing to do to this great sportsman
Jack McConnell - May '04
Joey was possibly the best ambassador of Northern Ireland we've ever had. He was regarded the whole world over for his humility, simplicity and love of his sport. Whoever broke up his memorial should be truly ashamed. Over a hundred thousand NW supporters will feel personally affronted and very angry about it.
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