Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Museums Services is thrilled to announce the official opening of the Joey 25 Exhibition, a tribute to motorcycling legend Joey Dunlop, at Ballymoney Museum.
This free exhibition opens to the public from Tuesday 6th May 2025 and commemorates 25 years since the passing of one of Northern Ireland’s greatest sporting icons, and forms part of the Joey 25 celebration taking place in his home town this May.
Joey Dunlop, born in Ballymoney in 1952, was revered as the “King of the Roads” and his extraordinary career boasted 26 Isle of Man TT wins, five Formula One World Championships, 13 North West 200 victories, and 24 Ulster Grand Prix triumphs.
Beyond his racing prowess, Joey was honoured with an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 1996 for his humanitarian work with children in Eastern Europe. The Joey 25 Exhibition celebrates his enduring legacy as a local hero and global ambassador for motorcycling.
The exhibition showcases a unique collection of artifacts and memorabilia, many on loan from the Dunlop family archives and others loaned specifically for this display.
Highlights include rare photographs, racing leathers, trophies, and personal items that chronicle Joey’s remarkable journey.
Of particular note is the racing leathers Joey wore during the 1981 Isle of Man TT, where riders wore all black as a protest. The exhibition also features the very gloves Joey wore when he lost the tip of his left-hand ring finger in a crash during the 1998 Tandragee 100 race meeting.
Visitors will be able to explore restored and original motorcycles from his illustrious career, alongside interactive displays and video tributes that capture his courage, humility, and passion for the sport.
The official launch was attended by Joey’s wife, Linda Dunlop, and many of the Dunlop family, who joined Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, to open the exhibition which will run daily Monday – Saturday 9am-5pm from Tuesday 6th May – Saturday 30th August 2025 (excluding bank holidays).
“We are deeply honoured to host this exhibition in Joey’s hometown,” said Councillor Ciarán McQuillan.
“Joey Dunlop was not just a sporting legend but a beloved figure who put Ballymoney on the world stage. This exhibition is a heartfelt tribute to his achievements and the profound impact he continues to have on our community and beyond.”
The Joey 25 Exhibition is part of a series of events commemorating the 25th anniversary of Joey’s passing and Jamie Austin, Councils Museum Officer said: “Thank you to Linda and the Dunlop family for sharing their cherished items with us for this iconic exhibition.
“I would also like to thank William McComb and Ian Waddell who have loaned bikes that Joey rode for the exhibition, in addition to Clifford Stewart who has also kindly loaned motorbike memorabilia and bikes to the museum which will be showcased as part of a display on the history of motorbike racing.
“The Museums team is very much looking forward to showing members of the public this exhibition and the legacy that Joey has left for us all.”
On May 24, 2025, the Joey 25 Celebration will feature over 25 motorcycling legends, including World Superbike Champions Carl Fogarty and Jonathan Rea, riding Joey’s iconic bikes in a closed-road parade through Ballymoney’s town centre.
“Joey’s memory lives on through the love and support of his fans and our community,” said Linda Dunlop.
“This Joey 25 exhibition is a beautiful way to honour his life, and we’re grateful to Ballymoney Museum staff and the Council for making it happen.”
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan pictured at the launch of the Joey 25 exhibition in Ballymoney Museum alongside Joey’s wife Linda Dunlop and daughter Joanne McCammond.
Jamie Austin, Museums Officer and Sarah Calvin, Council’s Museum Services pictured with the Dunlop family, at the launch of the Joey 25 exhibition in Ballymoney Museum.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan pictured with Jamie Austin, Museums Officer, Linda Dunlop, Sarah Calvin, Council’s Museum Services Manager, and Leeanne Irwin, Acting Corporate Communications and Public Relations Manager, at the launch of the Joey 25 exhibition in Ballymoney Museum.
Pictured at the launch of the Joey 25 exhibition in Ballymoney Museum are Joey’s wife Linda Dunlop, Jamie Austin, Museums Officer and William McCome, Clifford Stewart and Ian Waddell, who kindly donated bikes and memorabilia for the exhibition.
Linda Dunlop pictured with Ballymoney DEA Elected Members Councillor Mervyn Storey, Alderman John McAuley, and Councillor Darryl Wilson at the launch of the Joey 25 exhibition in Ballymoney Museum.
The Joey 25 exhibition showcases a unique collection of artifacts and memorabilia, many on loan from the Dunlop family archives and others loaned specifically for this display.
The Joey 25 exhibition showcases a unique collection of artifacts and memorabilia, many on loan from the Dunlop family archives and others loaned specifically for this display.
The Dunlop family pictured at the launch of the Joey 25 exhibition in Ballymoney Museum.
The Dunlop family pictured with Stephen McMaw, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Ballymoney DEA Elected Member, Alderman John McAuley, at the launch of the Joey 25 exhibition in Ballymoney Museum.