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.
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 John McGuinness, 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.
Joey’s wife Linda said: “I am overwhelmed by the huge crowds that have travelled to Ballymoney today to remember their racing hero. Thank you to everyone who joined with our family to celebrate this milestone year.
“I would also like to thank the Council for organising this fantastic event and honouring Joey’s legacy with such a fitting tribute.
“Seeing so many of Joey’s original bikes displayed and ridden through his hometown has been truly special. It has been a day that we as a family will treasure.”
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ciaran McQuillan, said: “We were delighted to welcome thousands of fans from all around the world to Ballymoney for this very special Joey 25 celebration.
“It is a true testament to who Joey was, both on and off the circuit, that huge numbers have come along today to show their love and appreciation for their sporting hero.
“It was an honour to welcome the new Mayor of Douglas, Steven Crellin to Ballymoney. The two towns have been twinned since 2006, with the Causeway Coast and Glens and the Isle of Man sharing a passion for motorsport.
“I would like to thank all the riders who took part in today’s event and the collectors who very kindly loaned bikes, artifacts and memorabilia for the displays.
“A special word of thanks to Stephen Watson and the team at BBC Northern Ireland for their help in organising this fitting celebration, reflecting Joey’s enduring legacy.”
The Joey 25 exhibition will be open to the public until the end of August for more information visit: https://causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/news/ballymoney-museum-opens-joey-25-exhibition
