The loss of Ulster motorcycle ace Robert is sadly not the first such tragedy
to hit the Dunlop family.
Eight years ago, his legendary brother Joey died, aged 48, during a meet in
Tallinn, Estonia. His tragic death sent shockwaves throughout the road
racing world.
The world champion, who won the Ulster Grand Prix 24 times and the Formula
One title five times, was considered a motorcycling genius, a sporting
champion — and one of the greatest road racers of all time.
Besides being crowned world champion five times, Joey's achievements include
three hat-tricks at the Isle of Man TT meetings (1985, 1988 and 2000), where
he won 26 races in total, earning him the nickname 'King of the Road'.
He was awarded an MBE in 1986 for his services to the sport and in 1996 he
was awarded the OBE for his humanitarian work for children in Romanian
orphanages.
Dunlop would often load up his race transporter and deliver clothing and
food to the trouble spots of Bosnia and Romania. The biker made many trips
himself to Romania, to get the aid out to orphans.
These were often done solo, with Joey agreeing to do it only on the
condition that it was organised before each racing season started.
Never one to bask in the spotlight, most of his humanitarian work was done
without drawing any attention, in keeping with Dunlop's humble nature.
During that fateful 125cc race in 2000, Joey was leading. He had already
taken out the 750cc and 600cc events.
Witnesses say he appeared to lose control of his bike in the wet conditions
and was killed on impact. More than 50,000 people attended his funeral.
A memorial statue was erected in his home town of Ballymoney following his
death and in the Isle of Man, a statue of Joey astride a Honda overlooks the
Bungalow Bend at Snaefell. The 26th Milestone area of the TT Course was also
renamed 'Joey's'.
On 4 July 2006, Joey was posthumously awarded an honorary Doctorate of the
University (DUniv) from the University of Ulster in Coleraine, which was
accepted on his behalf by his son, Gary.
His brother Robert also received an honorary Doctorate from the University.
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