LISBURN Mayor, Councillor James Tinsley and Sports Minister Edwin Poots were among mourners at the funeral of motorcycling legend Robert Dunlop last weekend.

Councillor Tinsley, who is the Chairman of the Ulster Grand Prix Working Group, and Councillor Poots, joined more than 5,000 people were they represented Lisburn City Council at the 47-year-old's funeral.

Speaking after the funeral, the Mayor expressed his sadness at the death of the Ballymoney rider: "Robert was a regular competitor in the Ulster Grand Prix, with nine wins at Dundrod over the years. He brought so much to the sport and to the Ulster Grand Prix and his death is a sad loss for Lisburn and for Northern Ireland.

Our prayers and thoughts remain with his wife and his family at this deeply tragic time."

The funeral took place on Sunday at Garryduff Presbyterian Church near Ballymoney, after the racer was killed in a highspeed crash during a practice lap for the 250cc race at the North West 200 on Thursday.

His son, Michael, went on to win the race on Saturday, dedicating his victory to his father.

Dunlop made his debut on the Northern Ireland roads as a teenager in 1979 and went on to claim his first major win in the Isle of Man in 1983 when he won the Newcomers 350cc race at the Manx Grand Prix.

Mr Dunlop is also survived by his wife Louise and other sons William and Daniel.

Lisburn City Council has opened a book of condolence, which is available at the Council's headquarters at Lagan Valley Island, the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum, and Lagan Valley LeisurePlex.

stacey.heaney@jpress.co.uk

Ulster Star
23/05/2008