PUBLIC FIGURES North and South joined the sports fraternity yesterday in paying tribute to leading motorcyclist Robert Dunlop, who was killed in practice for a race in Co Antrim.
Despite the fatality, today's North West 200 will go ahead as it was believed Dunlop himself would have wished this.
His funeral service will be held tomorrow at 4.00pm in Garryduff Presbyterian Church followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. The service will be conducted by the minister of Garryduff, the Rev John Gilkinson, along with Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (MCUI) chaplain, the Rev John Kirkpatrick.
Race sponsor Alister Kennedy said Dunlop's wife Louise was extremely supportive about continuing with the event. "The best tribute for Robert is to put on a bigger and better show than we have done before."
The 47-year-old rider from Ballymoney, Co Antrim, died in a crash on Thursday while travelling at 257km/h (160mph) during a practice run at the North West 200 course in Portrush.
Another rider, Darren Burns, from Lisburn, Co Antrim, who was travelling behind Dunlop at the time, also crashed and was badly injured. He is said to be stable in hospital.
Dunlop's brother Joey, also one of the great heroes of motorcycling, died in a similar incident in Estonia eight years ago.
Course clerk for the North West 200 Mervyn Whyte said the event would continue because that was the wish of the Dunlop family.
Robert Dunlop had previously retired from the sport after a bad accident at the Isle of Man TT races in 1994, but gradually worked his way back into racing, using a specially adapted bike.
Dunlop is survived by his wife and children William, Michael and Daniel. Michael and William were on the course at the time of the accident.
The PSNI is investigating how the crash happened, with indications that it was caused by mechanical failure rather than a fault in the course. The MCUI is also investigating.
DUP Assembly member Ian Paisley jnr, a motorcycling enthusiast, told of how he tried to comfort the Dunlop family after the accident. He said he had a warm conversation with Dunlop before the crash.
The North's First Minister, the Rev Ian Paisley, and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said they were deeply saddened by Dunlop's death. The North's Sports Minister, Edwin Poots, said Dunlop was a "much loved, respected and talented member of the motorsport community and will be missed by all".
Minster for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen said Irish sport had lost a great ambassador, while Northern Secretary Shaun Woodward said Dunlop was "truly a legend in sport".
