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Belfast Live
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Gareth Fullerton

William Dunlop statue to be unveiled in Ballymoney

A statue in memory of road racing icon William Dunlop will be unveiled in Ballymoney this Friday.

Scottish sculptor David Annand has produced the special tribute which will stand in the Joey and Robert Dunlop Memorial Gardens in the North Antrim town.

William - who claimed 108 National Road Race wins during his career - died following a crash at the Skerries 100 meeting in North Co Dublin in July 2018. He was 32.

He was one of road racing's most respected and loved riders and a multiple winner at the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix.

Wiliam's partner Janine Brolly and the Dunlop family worked alongside a working group chaired by Ian Paisley MP and other benefactors to help deliver the lasting memorial.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough councillor Darryl Wilson said: "It will be a bittersweet occasion when the statue of William Dunlop is unveiled within the Dunlop Memorial garden, close to where his father's statue is located.

"The people of the Town, the Borough, and beyond will always hold the members of the Dunlop Road racing dynasty close to their hearts.

"The unveiling will be a reminder of one of our most talented sons, and also a sad reminder of the loss suffered by William's family, friends, and the entire community.

"The statue will be a fitting tribute to William and will ensure that the fond memories we all have of the man will endure for generations to come."

William's father Robert died in a crash during practice at the North West 200 in 2008, while his uncle Joey died following a crash in Estonia in 2000.

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