Roads: William Dunlop to be posthumously inducted to Irish motorcycling Hall of Fame

William Dunlop will be posthumously inducted into the Irish motorcycling Hall of Fame at the Cornmarket Motorbike Awards in Belfast next week.

The popular rider will follow in the footsteps of his late father and uncle, Robert and Joey, who already occupy well-deserved spots in the Hall of Fame.

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Dunlop was tragically killed in a practice crash for last year’s Skerries 100. His partner Janine and mother Louise will accept the accolade at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel next Frday.

“We are still in complete shock after the tragic incident last summer, but any award the Dunlop family has ever received has been very special,” Louise Dunlop said.

“There is a sad poignancy that William goes into the Hall of Fame alongside his Dad and Uncle Joey, who we all still miss dearly. The Dunlops’ achievements which span almost 50 years have left an indelible mark on sport in Northern Ireland.

“With this award, it’s just lovely to know the Dunlop name is still a force to be reckoned with, but it will be an emotional evening.

“We have been overwhelmed with the amount of love and kindness we have received,” she said. “It truly has been remarkable. William was loved by everyone, and we are so proud of his achievements, as we are of all my boys.” 

William, who started racing in 2000 when he was aged 15, accumulated 108 Irish National Road Race wins during an illustrious career. He also achieved victories at the international events the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix. 

He joins some of Ireland’s most famous riders in the Hall of Fame including former World Champion Brian Reid, Moto GP rider Jeremy McWilliams, road racing stars Phiilip McCallen, Steve Cull, Johnny Rea, Eddie Laycock and Alan Irwin, plus top motocross rider Gordon Crockard.