Dunlop tribute 'an absolute privilege' for Rea
Six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea said it was "an absolute privilege" to be involved in a celebration of the life of motorcycle racing hero Joey Dunlop in Ballymoney, County Antrim, on Saturday.
The 'Joey 25' tribute day was being held a quarter of a century after the revered 26-time Isle of Man TT winner was killed in an accident at a race in Estonia in July 2000.
The event brought together a plethora of famous names from two-wheel motorsport past and present, including Rea, another multiple World Superbike champion in Carl Fogarty, Glenn Irwin, Brian Reid, Phillip McCallen and Ron Haslam.
The special celebration to remember Joey and honour his legacy was hosted by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, in conjunction with the Dunlop family.
"Joey Dunlop was an icon, not just in motorcycle racing but as a sportsman in the country," Rea, 38, told BBC Sport NI.
"I grew up in race paddocks and didn't really understand the magnitude of Joey or the legacy left.
"My father was racing against him but over time I've understood all his accomplishments and more of the human he was, the effect he had on the fans and the people here, understood what a legend he was, someone we can be really proud of."
Thousands of people defied the inclement weather conditions to commemorate the life and achievements of the five-time TT Formula One world champion, who also racked up 24 Ulster Grand Prix victories and 13 North West 200 successes in an illustrious career.
The occasion to mark the landmark anniversary included a closed-roads parade around the town centre with top riders using Joey Dunlop's original machines.
"It's a really good day, not just to honour Joey, but everyone involved in the day has been really pumped to be part of it," added Rea.
"I thought there would be a lot of people here but it has blown me away the crowd that came out."
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