Latest news with #BallymoneyMuseum
Belfast Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Isle of Man TT hero confirmed as latest addition to the star-studded line-up for Joey Dunlop 25 celebrations
The 23-time TT winner is a former Honda team-mate of Joey's and will take time out of his hectic schedule as he prepares for the start of practice week on Monday to join a star-studded line-up in the Co Antrim town. McGuinness will ride one of Joey's machines in a special closed-road parade through Ballymoney, when 25 of the road racing superstar's bikes will be paraded by many of his former team-mates, rivals and friends, including World Superbike champions Jonathan Rea and Carl Fogarty. Grand Prix legends Ron Haslam, Jeremy McWilliams, and Eugene Laverty, plus British Superbike riders Glenn Irwin and Leon Haslam and other celebrated riders such as Ryan Farquhar, Michael Rutter, and Phillip McCallen have also been confirmed for the parade on Saturday. The Joey 25 celebration will pay homage to the 26-time Isle of Man TT winner and five-time world champion, who tragically lost his life almost 25 years ago in an accident during a race meeting in Estonia in July 2000. Thousands are expected to converge on Joey's hometown for the biggest remembrance event held in his memory, where a range of activities celebrating his life have been organised, including the biggest ever exhibition of his iconic bikes, a screening of race highlights, and a special Q&A session with the many riders attending. Fans will have the opportunity to hear first-hand stories of their careers, their experiences racing on the TT course and their admiration for Joey Dunlop's enduring legacy. The events will be streamed live to a global audience on Greenlight Television's acclaimed King of the Roads TV platform from 6.00pm. The live stream, which will also be broadcast to thousands of spectators on big screens at the event, will include exclusive interviews with riders and the Dunlop family, and behind-the-scenes footage of the event, including the Joey 25 Exhibition at Ballymoney Museum, which features rare memorabilia from Joey's illustrious career. Joey's wife Linda said: 'We are honoured that the Joey 25 celebration can now be seen by a global audience. 'Joey was a local hero and an international icon, and this live stream ensures that fans everywhere can join us in celebrating his extraordinary legacy. 'This event is a heartfelt, deeply personal tribute to Joey, and we're delighted that we will share this special day with his fans worldwide. 'Seeing Joey's bikes roar through Ballymoney and knowing people across the globe can watch feels truly special.' As part of the celebration, a unique Joey 25 Exhibition at Ballymoney Museum is open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm until August 30, 2025, inviting visitors to explore Joey's legacy through rare artefacts, including his 1981 Isle of Man TT racing leathers, and a collection of cherished personal items from the Dunlop family archives.
Belfast Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
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).
