Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is delighted to announce that the ‘Joey 25’ celebration has been nominated for ‘Motorcycle Event of the Year’ at the prestigious Irish Motorbike Awards 2025.
Billed as the biggest event of the biking year, the glittering awards ceremony will take place on Friday 16th January 2026 in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast, with many of the sport’s biggest names set to attend.
The ‘Joey 25’ event, held in Ballymoney on Saturday 24th May, marked 25 years since road racing legend Joey Dunlop had his accident in Estonia. The event was hosted by the Council in partnership with Joey`s wife Linda and children. The organising team was comprised of a small group of dedicated enthusiasts along with Council staff.
Thousands of fans from all around the world turned out to celebrate the ‘quiet man’ of racing. The fantastic programme of events included a museum display featuring 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.
The event also featured a “meet the riders” session, autograph signings, live music, and additional entertainment. Those who could not attend had the opportunity to watch on the livestream via “King of the Roads” and fans from across the world tuned in to watch”.
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, the riders were cheered by fans lining the streets, excited to see the iconic racing bikes. The parade included Joey`s famous red mini and his race van that Gary Dunlop prepared especially for the celebration.
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.
Leading the dazzling contingent of road racing talent was world record holder Ryan Farquhar, alongside multiple Isle of Man TT and North West 200 champions Michael Rutter, Bruce Anstey, Phillip McCallen, Ian Lougher, Adrian Archibald, and Ian Simpson, as well as Irish champions James Courtney, Denis McCullough, Steve Cull, and Michael McGarrity.
Congratulating the team on the nomination, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan said: “As a Council, we felt it was important to mark this poignant milestone anniversary.
“Joey was a local legend and a global ambassador – not just for Ballymoney, but for our entire region and beyond. It was only fitting that we held an event in his hometown to celebrate his life and achievements.
“This recognition highlights the hard work and dedication that was put in behind the scenes to organise an event of such a large scale. The help offered by riders, the community and the various different services was very much appreciated.
“On behalf of Council, I would like to take this opportunity to wish the team the best of luck in taking home a well-deserved award.”
Expressing his delight at the nomination, Stephen McMaw, Event Lead Organiser added: “It is brilliant that Joey 25 has been nominated for ‘Motorcycle Event of the Year’.
"All aspects of the day were discussed and agreed with Linda and the family to ensure that the event remained respectful and true to Joey's memory. I am especially delighted for the Dunlop family that the event has been recognised within this years nominations.
“I would like to thank everyone that helped create such a unique and fitting tribute to Joey. He was and still remains a world legend and role model.”
