Thousands of mourners who turned out for yesterday's funeral of Ulster racing legend Robert Dunlop were told he was both a "hero" and an " inspiration".

Robert (47), one of the province's most successful sportsmen, was laid to rest at Garryduff Presbyterian Church, on the outskirts of Ballymoney.

Friends and family filed into the rural church while thousands of fans assembled outside to listen to the service via loudspeakers.

Rev John Gilkinson thanked those who had travelled to the town to pay their respects adding that their support had given great comfort to the Dunlop family.

First Minister Ian Paisley and his deputy Martin McGuinness were in attendance as was a host of names from the world of politics and sport.

Mr Paisley described the occasion as "a sad day" adding that he was there to witness the burial of a friend.

He said: "My sympathies go out to the family, everybody has been touched by this. He had a way of stealing into your heart. You couldn't have forgotten him and what we are saying today is we won't forget him."

Among those paying their respects was sports presenter and family friend Jackie Fullerton, former boxing champion Eamonn Loughran, fellow biker Paul Robinson and Sports Minister Edwin Poots.

Robert's body was carried a short distance from his home where a private service was conducted prior to the funeral.

Once at the church, the cortege was given a guard of honour by North West 200 racing marshals.

His coffin was carried through the gates by his four sisters and then sons Michael, William and Daniel. A lone piper played as Robert's remains were taken into the church, passing through local councillors donning ceremonial robes in recognition of his status as a Freeman of the town — an honour bestowed upon him in April of last year.

Robert's grief-stricken widow Louise had to be supported into the church and his mother May was shaking with emotion as she prepared to bury her second son in eight years.

In that time her husband William also passed away.

"We gather here as a family and as a community," said Rev Gilkinson.

"Robert was a man who made time for people. Time for charity work, time to encourage others, time to help out and yet to us his tragic death seems to untimely."

Head of the Honda racing team, Barry Symonds, told mourners that his results on the racing track said more about Robert than he ever could.

He added: "He was a hero and when I say a hero I mean a hero who overcomes immense pain and suffering but who raised a great family.

"Let us honour a true hero by saying goodbye to a wonderful husband, son and father.

"Robert Dunlop...keep 'er lit!"

Liam Beckett, a childhood friend of Robert's and his mechanic for 22 years, described his pal as a "5ft 2in giant".

He recalled stories of touring around the world with Robert before reciting a poem he wrote entitled The Mighty Micro.

Rev John Kirkpatrick, joint chaplain to the Motorcycle Union of Ireland, said: "I have lived among the fine people of this community and know how it has helped shape its sons with courage, passion and the willingness to sacrifice for their goals. For this reason it is not hard to understand why one of the words that has appeared in many comments since Thursday night has been the word inspiration and we will never know the full story of those who have been inspired to go on in their own physical struggles having seen and listened to Robert over the years."

He was buried beside his brother Joey who was killed in a motorcycle accident in Estonia in 2000.