William Dunlop dead: Tributes paid to Northern Irish motorcycle rider after fatal crash at Skerries 100

The death of William Dunlop has been labelled a “tragedy beyond belief” after news of the Northern Irishman’s tragic accident at the Skerries 100 surfaced on Saturday, with the racing world paying tribute to the well-known and well-liked motorbike racer.

Dunlop suffered a fatal accident during practice for the Skerries 100 in north Dublin on Saturday, at the age of 32.

A number of tributes were paid to Dunlop and messages of support sent to the Dunlop family, who once again are left to cope with tragedy. Irish road-racing legend Joey Dunlop, the record 26-time Isle of Man TT winner, was killed in a race in Estonia in 2000, while his brother and William’s father, Robert, was killed during practice for the 2008 North West 200.

William’s brother, Michael, was also competing at the Skerries 100 this year, having won twice at the Isle of Man last month to take his total tally of wins to 18. Both William and Michael were riding when their father lost his life, and incredibly chose to race the following day against organisers’ wishes with Michael going on to win in emotional scenes.

• Read more

Famous road racer Dunlop killed in crash aged 32

Dunlop’s loss was heavily felt back in his hometown of Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, with Mervyn Storey, North Antrim Democratic Unionist Party MLA, issuing the following statement: “This is a tragedy beyond belief. The Dunlop family has again been plunged into grief.

“William Dunlop was a legend in his own right, on and off the road. He was a household name.

“Everyone in Northern Ireland will be saddened by this news. However the sadness will be particularly felt in his home town of Ballymoney. The Dunlop family are well known and greatly respected in our town and further afield, we feel the great loss and sadness at this news.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family circle at their time. The entire family circle will be remembered by everyone during this difficult time. We assure them of our support as they face the coming days.”

William Dunlop was killed in a crash during practice for the Skerries 100 (Getty)

Four-time world superbike champion and three-time TT winner Carl Fogarty said: “Life’s pretty s*** sometimes.. feel on top of the world one minute. Then brought back down to earth the next with the sad news that William Dunlop has lost his life racing today. Thoughts are with Louise, Michael and family.”

A number of other riders posted tributes on social media along with thousands of fans, while Ulster Rugby also tweeted a message of condolence, along with former Ireland rugby international Tommy Bowe.

William Dunlop died aged 32 (Getty Images)

“Very sad news about William Dunlop,” a tweet from Ulster Rugby read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dunlop family at this time. Another gone too soon.”

Bowe added: “So sad to hear about William Dunlop. Thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time. Gone too soon”