Northern Ireland has lost one of its favourite sons

Local & National

Friday, May 16, 2008

By Steven Beacom

Robert Dunlop was one of those people who lit up a room when he entered it.

Having admired him from afar for many years, I was fortunate enough to meet Robert when he graciously agreed to present a prize at the Belfast Telegraph Sports Star awards a few years ago.

Within a few seconds, you thought you knew him.

He was so open, so full of chat and fun.

That night he was the first person to go on stage to present an award. As he walked on, he immediately commanded the respect of his sporting peers sitting in the Ramada Hotel.

Never short of a quip or an opinion, the audience hung on his every word before he made a presentation to gifted young motorcyclist Jonathan Rea, who really appreciated receiving his prize from someone who had been there and done it in his chosen field.

Robert was so full of life that night, just as he was anytime you would see him on television.

And that's why the sad news of his death last night at the North West 200 will hit home so hard throughout Northern Ireland.

I remember back in 2000 when Robert's brother Joey died in an accident in Estonia.

I was sat in a press conference room in Rotterdam, Holland following the Euro 2000 final, alongside my friend and distinguished colleague Malcolm Brodie, waiting for the victorious French manager to come out and give his thoughts on the win over Italy.

My mobile phone rang with my mum, in a state of shock, on the line to tell me that Joey had been killed.

I don't think Malcolm or myself heard a word the French manager said as we digested that dreadful news.

On hearing about Robert last night, the first person I called was my mum, who was as stunned and saddened as I was to hear of the latest tragedy to beset one of our wee country's most famous, loved and respected families.

Joey was known as the King of the Roads. Robert deserved that title as well because he too was a world class rider who did his homeland proud with famous and dramatic victories galore.

And he transcended sport. Just like Georgie Best and Joey, two other Ulster sporting icons taken away much too soon, everyone in Northern Ireland knew who Robert was.

And today everyone will be talking about the sadness of it, thinking about and praying for his family.

Mums like mine, dads, brothers, sisters, even if they have no interest in sport or motorcycling, will all be feeling for the Dunlops.

Just a few weeks ago I had the privlege of spending time with Robert's son William at the launch of the Ulster Grand Prix.

William followed in his dad's footsteps on to the racing scene and has been making a name for himself in the sport in recent years

Clearly Robert was not just teaching him well on two wheels, he had also been doing a wonderful job as a parent because William was one of the most genuinely nice young men I've ever met.

Chatting to William, a quiet, unassuming lad, and Australian rider Cameron Donald, another lovely guy, it was a real pleasure to be in their company.

Those who knew Robert, who was so proud of his family, would say the same thing about him.

It's so sad that he has gone.

Our sincere sympathy to Robert's family and friends.

And to the motorcycle fraternity who will be hit hard by this devastating blow which will be felt all over the province and beyond.

Northern Ireland has lost another of its favourite sons.