Bike world stunned by the loss of Robert Dunlop

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Robert Dunlop on the starting grid moments before the practice session that claimed his life

Robert Dunlop on the starting grid moments before the practice session that claimed his life

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Northern Ireland mourns one of our greatest stars

Friday, May 16, 2008

By Emily Moulton

Northern Ireland is today mourning the loss of yet another sporting great, motorcycling ace Robert Dunlop.

The 47-year-old, who was the first person to be elected to the Irish Motorcycle Hall of Fame, was killed yesterday during a practice session at the North West 200.

Witnesses say the father-of-two was thrown from his bike as he approached the Mathers Cross Section of the course. It is believed he was travelling around 160mph — a speed which is quite common for that section of the track.

His death is not the first tragedy to strike the Dunlop family. Eight years ago Robert's older brother Joey — another Ulster racing legend — was killed at a race in Tallinn, Estonia.

Joey, who had won 24 Ulster Grand Prixs and was crowned world champion five times, was 48. Robert, who had come out of retirement just three years earlier to take part in Northern Ireland's largest sporting event, would have been 48 this year.

His death has come as a shock to the thousands of spectators who have descended on the north coast to watch some of the world's best riders compete for the title as well as the wider racing community.

Dunlop was revered by fans and fellow competitors alike not only for his sporting prowess but his quick wit and optimistic attitude. He was also well-loved for his generosity and compassion.

Just days ago, the Ballymoney man took time out from his preparations for the North West to visit two Co Londonderry brothers who suffer from a life- limiting illness.

Aaron and Dean Doherty have Sanfilippo Syndrome — an illness which restricts their speech and movement. Both boys are not expexcted to make it to their teens.

After being told of their disease and how much they loved road racing, Dunlop stopped by the boy's Castlerock home to bring a little cheer to the youngsters.

The father-of-two has also been credited with saving the life of Institute Football Club Manager Liam Beckett.

Seven years ago, Beckett was out paragliding with the motorcycle ace when he flew 100m up into the air and then was quickly thrown down several times. He sustained a crushed vertebrae and a cracked pelvis during this incident at Benone beach.

Dunlop had raced back to his Land Rover and drove up the beach and over the parachute to stop Beckett from being dragged up again.

Dunlop was also respected for his never give up attitude, refusing to quit after his horrific crash in 1994 and for his decision to come out of retirement.

When his back wheel collapsed during the 1994 Isle of Man Formula One TT, many thought his career was over.

Dunlop suffered multiple injuries and was extremely lucky to have survived the crash. A long stay in hospital, followed by protracted recuperation, meant Dunlop was out of action for the rest of 1994 and all of 1995. He was left with severe tendon damage which restricted movement, and a shortened leg from the accident. Afterwards accepting his injuries and resultantly restricting his competition entries from then on to the 125cc class, Dunlop was determined to return. He chose the Cookstown 100 on 20 April 1996, and although still not fully fit, took ninth place in the 125cc race won by brother Joey.

He has not won the Cookstown 100 since, but has returned every year in the 125cc class: 3rd in 1997, 4th in 1998, 3rd in 2002 and 2nd in 2004.

Leading some of the tributes last night First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said they were deeply saddened by the death: "This is a tragedy that will be felt deeply by the people of Northern Ireland," Mr Paisley said.

Mr McGuinness said: "Robert, like his brother Joey before him, was a tremendous ambassador for his sport.

"I also offer my sincerest sympathies to his family."