Life and racing career of Joey Dunlop to be honoured with free-to-attend celebration in his hometown

A free-to-attend event honouring the life and racing success of 26-time Isle of Man TT winner Joey Dunlop will take place in his hometown of Ballymoney on Saturday, May 24.

Called ‘Joey 25’, the event is being hosted by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and will mark 25 years since his tragic death at a road race in Tallinn, Estonia.

Taking place the weekend before the start of practice week at this year’s TT races, the attraction promises to include the largest ever display of Joey’s race bikes, which will be ridden by a roster of famous faces for a parade through the town centre in the evening.

“We’re excited to welcome fans from all around the world to this extraordinary Joey 25 celebration,” Councillor, Ciarán McQuillan said. “Joey was a local legend and a global ambassador – not just for Ballymoney, but for our entire region and beyond. It’s only fitting that we celebrate his enduring legacy in style.”

Although many current riders will already be on the Isle of Man preparing for the TT, the council say that plans are being made to fly some stars in especially for the event.

Racers already confirmed to take part in the festivities and evening parade include four-time World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty, and six-time champion Jonathan Rea.

Road racing royalty in the form of Ryan Farquhar, Bruce Anstey, and Michael Rutter are also set to be there, with the organisers promising a chance to meet the riders, plus live music, and more.

Former competitors, including Ron Haslam, Alan Irwin, Trevor Steele, Raymond McCullough, and Leslie McMaster will also attend.

“We couldn’t imagine a better way to remember Joey than with an event in his hometown,” Joey’s wife, Linda said.

“This milestone anniversary is a poignant time for our family, and we’re deeply grateful to the local council for organising this event. Seeing so many of Joey’s original bikes displayed and ridden through the town is truly special.”

The Dunlop family are expected to be represented in the parade by Joey’s daughter Donna McLean and Michael McCammond, husband of Joey’s youngest daughter, Joanne.

Thousands of riders are also expected to visit the town for the celebration, with a memorabilia exhibition running from April in the Ballymoney Museum. Tributes are also planned for the North West 200 races running from May 5-10, plus the Classic Bike Festival Ireland in August.

Joey Dunlop held the record for the greatest number of wins at the Isle of Man TT races until 2024, when his nephew Michael Dunlop was able to draw level and pass him – ending the racing fortnight with a total of 29 wins.

Joey also became a five-time world champion and was tragically killed aged 48 at a small Estonian road race in 2000. An estimated 50,000 people attended his funeral.