Thousands Honor Joey Dunlop 25 Years After Death in Ballymoney

Thousands gathered in Ballymoney to honor the legacy of motorcycling legend Joey Dunlop on the 25th anniversary of his death in a racing accident in Estonia. The Joey 25 celebration, organized by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and the Dunlop family, featured a Parade of Champions where notable riders, including World Superbike champions Jonathan Rea and Carl Fogarty, rode 25 of Dunlop's former racing motorcycles through the town. Family members, including Dunlop's daughter Donna McLean and son Gary, participated in the event, expressing both the pain of losing him and pride in his enduring legacy. The event highlighted Dunlop's lasting impact on fans and the motorcycling community, with many describing the tribute as a fitting celebration of a beloved local and international sports icon. Close friends and former team members shared personal memories, emphasizing Dunlop's humble nature and the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew him. Despite the somber occasion, the celebration underscored how Dunlop's memory continues to inspire and unite the motorcycling world.