‘Joey 25’ tribute to motorcycle legend
Motorcycling enthusiasts are expected to gather in great numbers in Ballymoney on Saturday, 24 May, for a special free event commemorating the 25th anniversary of Joey Dunlop’s death.
The Dunlop family joined special guests for the Joey Dunlop 25 event launch held in Ballymoney Museum last week. Pictured (L-R) are road racer Michael Swann, Gary Dunlop with son Remy, Alderman John McAuley, Linda Dunlop, Stephen McMaw representing Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Joanne and Michael McCammond with son Hudson, BBC presenter Stephen Watson, road racer Phillip McCallen, and front road racer Bruce Anstey.
The “Joey 25” celebration, organised by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, will pay tribute to the iconic Northern Irish racer in his hometown.
The event is set to feature over 25 past and present motorcycling legends who will come together to honour Dunlop’s life and achievements. A key highlight of the afternoon will be the largest-ever public display of Joey Dunlop’s motorcycles, offering a retrospective of his remarkable career.
Among Dunlop’s achievements were 26 wins at the Isle of Man TT, five Formula One World Championships, 24 Ulster Grand Prix victories and 13 North West 200 successes.
In the evening, these iconic machines will be brought to life as a lineup of celebrated riders participates in a closed-road parade through Ballymoney town centre. Confirmed attendees include World Superbike Champions Carl Fogarty and Jonathan Rea, alongside Grand Prix stars Ron Haslam, Jeremy McWilliams, and Eugene Laverty. British champions Leon Haslam and Adrian Coates, North West 200 record holder Alastair Seeley, BSB standout and NW200 superbike king Glenn Irwin, and 11-time Irish champion Michael Swann are also expected to participate.
Joining Joey Dunlop’s former teammates, rivals, and friends, such as Alan Irwin, Trevor Steele, Con Law, Raymond McCullough, and Leslie McMaster, will be Double World Formula 2 Champion Brian Reid. The parade will also feature a strong contingent of road racing talent, including world record holder Ryan Farquhar and multiple Isle of Man TT and North West 200 champions Michael Rutter, Bruce Anstey, Phillip McCallen, Adrian Archibald, and Ian Simpson, as well as Irish champions Paul Robinson, James Courtney, Denis McCullough, Steve Cull, and Michael McGarrity.
Joey Dunlop, a five-time World Champion, tragically died at the age of 48 in a racing accident in Estonia in 2000. Thousands of fans are expected to travel to Ballymoney to honour his memory.
The Joey 25 event is scheduled to take place two weeks after the North West 200, adding to what is expected to be a busy period for the Borough. Organisers are also making arrangements to fly in some riders from the Isle of Man, where they will be preparing for the TT races. The event will also include a “meet the riders” session, autograph signings, live music, and other entertainment.
As part of the broader tributes, a memorabilia exhibition will be on display at Ballymoney Museum from April.
Further tributes are also planned for the North West 200 and a parade of race bikes at the Classic Bike Festival Ireland in August.