Northern Ireland

William Dunlop funeral in same church as services for dad and uncle

William Dunlop died following a motorcycle crash during a practice session at the Skerries 100 in Co Dublin on Saturday
William Dunlop died following a motorcycle crash during a practice session at the Skerries 100 in Co Dublin on Saturday William Dunlop died following a motorcycle crash during a practice session at the Skerries 100 in Co Dublin on Saturday

THE funeral will take place tomorrow of William Dunlop who died following a motorcycle crash on Saturday.

The 32-year-old Ballymoney motorcyclist died from injuries sustained during a practice session at the Skerries 100 race in Co Dublin.

The funeral will be held at Garryduff Presbyterian Church on Wednesday followed by interment in the adjoining churchyard.

The same Church held services for both William's father Robert, who died during a practice session at the North-West 200 in 2008, and his uncle Joey who was killed in a crash in Estonia in 2000.

Rev John Kirkpatrick, minister of Portrush Presbyterian Church, who officiated at Robert and Joey Dunlop's funerals, will also take William Dunlop's funeral service.

A Book of Condolences was opened yesterday in memory of the Ballymoney motorcyclist.

A biker bows his head and pays his respects at Dunlop Memorial Garden in Ballymoney
A biker bows his head and pays his respects at Dunlop Memorial Garden in Ballymoney A biker bows his head and pays his respects at Dunlop Memorial Garden in Ballymoney

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Brenda Chivers expressed her "deepest sympathies" to the Dunlop family.

"The entire Borough has been left shocked and saddened with the tragic events that unfolded at the weekend. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the entire Dunlop family at this very sad time. William was a fantastic sporting legend and he will be remembered for his many achievements,” she said.

Books of Condolence are available for members of the public to sign at Ballymoney Town Hall, Coleraine Town Hall, Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady and Sheskburn House, Ballycastle.

For the funeral, William's family have requested family flowers only, with any donations in lieu of the Injured Riders Welfare Fund, and they said friends are welcome at his mother's home.