Joey Dunlop exhibition unveiled to celebrate renowned motorcyclist's legacy 25 years after his death
The Ballymoney Museum will showcase unique memorabilia from the sporting icon, including picks from some of his 26 Isle of Man TT wins, with many directly on loan from the Dunlop family archives.
Dunlop, dubbed 'King of the Roads', was born in the Co Antrim town in 1952 and quickly rose to prominence after clinching his first major motorcycling victory at the age of 23.
He would go on to cement himself as one of Northern Ireland's most successful sporting figures, achieving five Formula One World Championships, 13 North West 200 victories and 24 Ulster Grand Prix triumphs.
Among his honours include an MBE in 1986 and an OBE ten years later for his humanitarian work with children in eastern Europe.
In July of 2000, after more than 31 years of dominating the racing scene, Dunlop would tragically pass away after an accident during a competition in Tallinn, Estonia.
Around 50,000 mourners from all backgrounds gathered at Garryduff Presbyterian Church for his funeral outside his hometown.
The new Joey 25 exhibition will include rare photographers, racing leathers and trophies among the items on display.
Motorcycle fans may take a particular interest in the display featuring the gloves Dunlop wore when he lost the tip of his left-hand ring finger during a crash at the 1998 Tandragee 100 race meeting.
Interactive displays and original restored bikes will also be showcased at the event.
Dunlop's wife, Linda Dunlop, will launch the event, which she said was a 'beautiful way to honour his life'.
'Joey's memory lives on through the love and support of his fans and our community,' Linda explained.
'This Joey 25 exhibition is a beautiful way to honour his life and we're grateful to Ballymoney Museum staff and the council for making it happen.'
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Ciarán McQuillan will join the Dunlop family in kickstarting the exhibition. He revered Dunlop as 'not just a sporting legend, but a beloved figure who put Ballymoney on the world stage'.
'We are deeply honoured to host this exhibition in Joey's hometown,' said Mr McQuillan.
'This exhibition is a heartfelt tribute to his achievements and the profound impact he continues to have on our community and beyond.'
The Joey 25 exhibition is part of a series of events commemorating the 25th anniversary of Joey's passing.
Museum officer Jamie Austin said: 'Thank you to Linda and the Dunlop family for sharing their cherished items with us for this iconic exhibition.
'I would also like to thank William McComb and Ian Waddell, who have loaned bikes that Joey rode for the exhibition, in addition to Clifford Stewart, who has also kindly loaned bikes to the museum which will be showcased as part of a display on the history of motorbike racing.
'The museums team is very much looking forward to showing members of the public this exhibition and the legacy that Joey has left for us all.'
The exhibition will run from Tuesday, May 6, to Saturday, August 30, from 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
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