Skerries 100 Motorcycle Road Race goes ahead following tragic death of William Dunlop (32) during a practice race yesterday
By Kim O'Leary
The Skerries 100 Motorcycle Road Race is set to go ahead today as planned at the request of the Dunlop family following the tragic death of William Dunlop during a practice run yesterday, with the entire prize from the road race to go to the Dunlop family as the first races of the day get underway.
According to a statement from gardai, the annual event will carry on with the usual road closures. The races taking place today include the Open, 201-400cc, Classic A, 600cc, 250/400/125cc, Classic B, 650cc, 650cc/201-400cc Non Qualifiers, 401-750cc, and the Grand Final.
Northern Ireland road racing star William Dunlop (32) son of the late Robert Dunlop and nephew of the late Joey Dunlop, passed away from injuries he sustained in a crash on part of the circuit known at the Sam's Tunnel section of the 2.9-mile circuit yesterday evening
It is understood that doctors and paramedics on duty at the event immediately went to his aid but he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. He and his partner Janine had one child and were expecting the birth of their second.
Dunlop, from Ballymoney, Co Antrim, was hailed as a “talented sporting legend” by DUP leader Arlene Foster, who said he “will be forever remembered for his many achievements”.
His father, champion motorcyclist Robert, died after a crash during a practice race at the North West 200 in 2008, while his uncle, ‘King of the Road’ Joey Dunlop, was killed in a similar crash in Estonia in 2000.
As the tragic news broke, racing fans posted tributes to William Dunlop on social media describing him as “a big talent and lovely man” who will leave behind a “massive hole in the sport”.
Dunlop enjoyed a distinguished career on Ireland’s national road racing scene, accumulating some 108 wins including four victories at the North West 200 and seven at the Ulster Grand Prix since beginning his career in 2000, according to trade site Autosport.
The organisers of the Skerries 100 Motorcycle Road Race, Loughshinny Motorcyle Supporters Club, confirmed that the event would go ahead today, with a statement reading: "Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club Ltd have taken the decision to continue with the Skerries 100 on the 8th July. The club with the riders permission have decide to race with the entire prize fund to go to William's Family. It will be a non-championship meeting and the club hope everyone will onsider this a fitting tribute to William and his previous race performance and results at the Skerries 100. The Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club extends their heartfelt sympathy to William Dunlop's family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very sad time."
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