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Joey Dunlop OBE MBE
1952-2000
A Legend For All Time.
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On Sunday July 2nd 2000 it was with disbelief that the motorcycling world learnt that Joey Dunlop had lost his life to a tragic accident while he was racing in an event called the Kalevi Suursoit at the 3.7-mile woodland road race circuit in Tallinn, Estonia.
It was while racing in the wet 125cc event on Sunday afternoon on a fast S-bend just before the start-finish straight that Joey crashed the Honda RS 125 which he had won on in this years Ultra-Lightweight T.T.
So many words of praise have been written since then about Joey from those that knew him or those that simply waved a race programme as he rode past, his yellow helmet an unmistakable trademark.
The story goes that the black stripe down the centre of the helmet came about when a helmet which was presented from an admirer in the early seventies was of a polycarbonate type made in two halves and black tape was stuck over the join to strengthen it in case of an accident.
At this years TT Joey completed his 26th Historic win at the Isle of Man winning a hat trick of races the T.T. Formula 1, Lightweight 250cc T.T. and the Ultra-Lightweight 125cc T.T. with a fourth place in the Junior T.T. and third in the Senior T.T.
Joey's racing career started in 1969 aboard a Tiger Cub with five Formula One wins between 1982 and '86, 48 wins over the Dundrod road circuit near Belfast and 13 North West 200 wins and numerous victories at road races through out Ireland and abroad. After the races the man on the street wanted to know "How did Joey go."
Joey's racing was only part of the man behind the yellow helmet he ran charity mercy missions for aid to help the children in Eastern Bloc countries. On one trip he was arrested at a checkpoint for not having the right documentation but it just so happened the chief of police had heard of him and after sorting the officials with motorcycle stickers and racing magazines he was allowed to carry on his way.
The MBE and OBE were bestowed upon him as a Sportsman and his work for charity among many other honours.
Over 45,000 people from all parts off the world attended Joey's funeral which was broadcast live on TV and relayed to the pits at the TT grandstand, from Garryduff, Presbyterian Church near the family home, on the same road were Joey would have tested his race bikes in the past. With as many also paying their respects at "Joey's Bar" in nearby Ballymoney with the placing of floral and written tributes outside the bar with the most poignant being a yellow racing helmet similar to that worn by Joey. On it was written "Joey-King of the Road, Prince of our Hearts."
Looking back, to call into the bar on a ride out and have a pint served up by Joey himself under the shadow of an RC45 attached to the roof in the bar it was so unsurreal.
Joey was a MAG member and paid for his membership each year for the small return of counting Joey as one of our members. MAG Sport member Trevor Baird said " All at MAG Sport wish to pass onto to Linda and the family circle the great loss that we feel and our deepest sympathy."
To commemorate Joey's life there are plans to open a museum and erect a bronze statue in Ballymoney and on the Isle of Man. A campaign is under way in Northern Ireland for a new international racing circuit. DUP Assembly member Wilson Clyde said "A circuit with international potential, attracting not only the stars of today but those of tomorrow, constructed close to the home of the Ulster Grand Prix, would ensure his memory lives on."
Joey was the true local hero and family man and every one whether old or young those who had no interest in motorcycles or racing but knew of "Yer Maun" is united in grief he united the people in Northern Ireland as no politician could.
Joey Dunlop "Yer Maun" The King of the Road
Send donations to: The Joey Dunlop Benevolent Fund Bank of Ireland 12 High Street Ballymoney BT53 6AG
To transfer cash from your bank the sort code is 90-91-42 Account no 93048432
Or donations to Romanian Orphan's Appeal c/o James McMullan & Son Funeral Directors 22 High Street Ballymoney BT53 6AQ
If you are intending to visit Joey's graveside please respect the Churchyard and times for the family to mourn.
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