Well-known motorcycle road racer William Dunlop was tragically killed during a practice run at the Skerries 100 in North Dublin yesterday.
The 32-year-old father-of-one from Ballymoney, Co. Antrim died when he crashed on the closed road system near Skerries in County Dublin.
He and his partner Janine had one child, daughter Ella, and were expecting the birth of their second.
At the request of the Dunlop family, the Skerries 100 motorcycle road race is set to go ahead today as planned and according to a statement from gardai, the annual event will carry on with the usual road closures.
The annual Skerries 100 motorcycle road races will go ahead today as planned at the request of the Dunlop family.
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) July 8, 2018
William Dunlop RIP 1984 – 2018
Road closures in place from 8am this morning.
Further details available on the following link
https://t.co/60MyaPIgoL pic.twitter.com/M1ZEKzlX1r
Tributes have begun pouring in and friends, the local and motorcycling community have expressed their shock over the devastating news.
Councillor Darryl Wilson, from William’s hometown, told independent.ie his death "absolutely devastating".
"[It's] utterly heartbreaking news for William's family, friends, the people of Ballymoney and the entire road racing fraternity," he said.
"My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to all affected by this awful tragedy."
Dunlop's friend, photographer Shaun Lewis said that "there were no words" following the death of William in a moving Facebook post.
"None that will make sense nor things that will make it easier for his wife Janine, for William’s Mum, William’s Granny, for his brothers or for his beloved daughter Ella, his close friends and the whole family circle," he said.
Sadly, William's father and uncle - both in the sport - were also killed in motorcycling accidents in 2000 and 2008.
"William lived for racing, it’s all he knew, it was bred through him, through his uncle, through his dad, and even Michael followed him. In the last couple of years William lived for Janine and his beautiful wee daughter, Ella," Lewis continued.
The Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club, organisers of the Skerries 100, also paid tribute following his death. "The Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club extends their heartfelt sympathy to William Dunlop's family and friends."
Devastating news confirmed today that William Dunlop has died following an incident in practice at the Skerries 100. My thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/hggjuz2FSQ
— Kyle White (@Kyle3white) July 7, 2018
"Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very sad time."
We send deepest condolences and sympathies to William's family and friends at this devastating time.
