Roads: William Dunlop dies in Skerries practice crash

William Dunlop has passed away after an incident during practice for the Skerries 100 road races in Ireland.

The Ballymoney rider was involved in an incident at the Sam’s Tunnel section of the course during today’s Open Practice session on his Temple Golf Club Yamaha and unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.  

Event organisers, the Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club, confirmed the devastating news in a statement this evening, which read: “We deeply regret to announce that competitor William Dunlop, of Ballymoney, Co. Antrim has passed away following injuries received in a tragic accident that occurred during practice which took place today, 7^th July 2018.”

Dunlop was making his return to the roads at Skerries after taking the decision to withdraw from the 2018 Isle of Man TT last month in order to be with his pregnant partner.

The 32-year-old was a regular on the international road racing scene, following in the footsteps of his father Robert and Uncle Joey. He started racing at the age of 17, going on to win at both national and international level.

Making his debut at the Isle of Man TT in 2006, Dunlop went on to achieve five podiums around the mountain course with a best result of second place.

All at MCN join the wider racing community in expressing their heartfelt condolences to the Dunlop family at this time.