The legacy of motorcycling icon Joey Dunlop was honoured on Saturday 24th May in his hometown of Ballymoney, where crowds of thousands turned out to celebrate the ‘quiet man’ of racing.
The “Joey 25” celebration, marked 25 years since his passing and was hosted by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in partnership with Linda Dunlop and the family circle.
Amongst the crowds were racing fans from near and far who were all keen to catch a glimpse of motorcycling legends such as Jonathan Rea who alongside many of Joey’s peers rode through the streets of Ballymoney in a procession of some of Joey’s racing bikes.
The fantastic programme of events celebrated the life of one of Northern Ireland’s greatest sporting ambassadors and also included a museum display featuring never before seen items from the Dunlop family collection and also items donated from fans and local members of the public who own some of Joeys iconic bikes.
Members of the public who attended were able to purchase a souvenir programme or Joey 25 souvenir t-shirt, while children were able to join family members etc.
The event also feature a “meet the riders” session, autograph signings, live music, and additional entertainment.
The day culminated in a special parade lap featuring 25 of Joey’s bikes ridden by some of the world’s top motorcycle racers. Led by Joey’s daughter Donna McLean and Michael McCammond, husband of Joey’s youngest daughter, Joanne, the riders were cheered by fans lining the streets, excited to see the iconic racing bikes.
Racing stars in the lineup included World Superbike Champions Carl Fogarty and Jonathan Rea, Grand Prix stars Ron Haslam, Jeremy McWilliams and Eugene Laverty, British champions Leon Haslam and Adrian Coates, North West 200 record holder Alastair Seeley, BSB standout and NW200 superbike king Glenn Irwin, and 11-time Irish champion Michael Swann.
Double World Formula 2 Champion Brian Reid joined Joey’s former teammates, rivals, and friends, including Alan Irwin, Trevor Steele, Con Law, Raymond McCullough, and Leslie McMaster, for this one-of-a-kind anniversary event.
