Five times Formula One motorbike champion Joey Dunlop died today in a road race in Estonia. The Northern Ireland-born father-of-five, who notched up 26 wins at the Isle of Man TT, died on the 6.2-mile circuit in the capital city Tallinn.
Northern Ireland was in mourning tonight for one of its sporting heroes, who was awarded the MBE for his motorcycling achievements and the OBE for his charity work.
A legend among motorcycling fans, he had been awarded the freedom of his home town, Ballymoney, Co Antrim, just a couple of weeks ago.
Motorcycling broadcaster and writer, Harold Crooks, who knew Dunlop for 30 years, said: "Joey Dunlop was possibly the world's greatest motorbike rider of all time.
"He was also a terrific ambassador for Northern Ireland and one of the greatest gentlemen you could meet. He was so quiet and unassuming about his fame, it was almost unreal.
"I don't think he ever thought he could die in a race but it is always on the cards.
"He was loved in the Eastern bloc because he had carried out so many charity mercy missions there, bringing clothes and supplies to people there, particularly children, whom he always wanted to help."
Motorcycling journalist Jimmy Walker said: "Joey was a legend over the past 25 years. Many times he was asked when he would retire and he always said he wanted to win another Isle of Man TT.
"That was his favourite event and this year he won three races there including the Formula One on the opening day and the 125cc and 250cc races."
Mr Walker said Dunlop was deeply affected by the tragic death of his best friend Andy McMenemy three weeks ago, just after the final TT win, and pulled out of several other races.
But he was taking part in the Estonia event as a sort of "racing holiday", four years after his last visit there. Dunlop was racing at a non-championship international meeting which began on Saturday, when he had won the 600cc supersport race.
Today he had won the 750cc superbike race and was racing in the 125cc event when he crashed. He is believed to have died instantly.
--from the http://www.ireland.com
joey :cry:
Started by
schumilover
, Jul 02 2000 17:54
11 replies to this topic
#4
FucF1
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Posted 02 July 2000 - 22:38
Joey Dunlop was that rarest of things a hero and a gentleman. Its no exageration to say that he is considered a legend here and always will be.
But he died doing something he loved.
Goodbye Joey, you'll be missed.
But he died doing something he loved.
Goodbye Joey, you'll be missed.
#5
Ray Bell
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Posted 02 July 2000 - 22:44
Some comfort, perhaps, from Romans 6:7. These tragedies are a test to any of us who know the one who died, but is any life worthy of more respect than another.
Without denigrating the man, I respectfully suggest that perhaps hundreds of thousands of men, women and children died on the same day. All are accorded the same worth by God.
Without denigrating the man, I respectfully suggest that perhaps hundreds of thousands of men, women and children died on the same day. All are accorded the same worth by God.
#7
Nikolas Garth
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Posted 06 July 2000 - 16:08
Ray,
I wish you would let those who knew/knew of Joey Dunlop, do their public grieving, without trying to diminish their feelings. Particularly by bring up F#@^&* RELIGIOUS ^%#@
I wish you would let those who knew/knew of Joey Dunlop, do their public grieving, without trying to diminish their feelings. Particularly by bring up F#@^&* RELIGIOUS ^%#@
#8
Sonic
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Posted 07 July 2000 - 01:54
Yes it is a very sad day for the whole of Ireland.
Lets hope tomorrow, Friday, them bigoted bastards, lets their so beloved country bury its greatest ever sportsman in peace.
His family and Fans deserves peace for all they have been through.
"Life without risk, for some people, is no life at all"
Joey Dunlop - Rest in Peace
Sonic
[p][Edited by Sonic on 07-07-2000]
Lets hope tomorrow, Friday, them bigoted bastards, lets their so beloved country bury its greatest ever sportsman in peace.
His family and Fans deserves peace for all they have been through.
"Life without risk, for some people, is no life at all"
Joey Dunlop - Rest in Peace
Sonic
[p][Edited by Sonic on 07-07-2000]
#9
Ray Bell
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Posted 07 July 2000 - 02:43
Perhaps, Nik, if you read what it said, you would see that there is indeed some comfort for friends, family, fans, even you.
#10
JaqFan
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Posted 07 July 2000 - 03:48
Religion providing comfort? I still can't understand why people see religion as the answer to everything (or even how 'his' existence is justified).
Anyway, it is a sad event.
Anyway, it is a sad event.
#11
Ray Bell
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Posted 07 July 2000 - 04:00
I never mentioned religion, I mentioned the bible. The two are separated by a wide gulf... there used to be a slogan, "Religion is a snare and a racket."
It's still true, but the bible is still true, as well. But I won't debate that here.
It's still true, but the bible is still true, as well. But I won't debate that here.
#12
Indian Chief
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Posted 07 July 2000 - 09:17
Very, very sad.
I saw a week old Isle of Man TT race just 2 days before his death where he finished 3rd. Although he was 48, he was still the best and consistent out there. David Jefferies won a few races, but even he can never be half the rider that Joey Dunlop was.
:(
I haven't felt this bad in a long time.
I saw a week old Isle of Man TT race just 2 days before his death where he finished 3rd. Although he was 48, he was still the best and consistent out there. David Jefferies won a few races, but even he can never be half the rider that Joey Dunlop was.
:(I haven't felt this bad in a long time.
