Irish government pays tribute to Dunlop
by JP Lonergan, 16 May 2008
Ireland’s Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen TD has paid tribute to motorcyclist Robert Dunlop, who was tragically killed in Northern Ireland on Thursday.
Dunlop, a former winner of the Isle of Man TT, was involved in a practice race at the North West 200 when he went over his handlebars as he approached the Mathers Cross section of the course near Portrush in Antrim.
He suffered serious chest injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, but died shortly afterwards. His brother Joey also died while racing eight years ago in Estonia.
“I wish to extend my condolences to Robert’s family and to his friends,” Mr Cullen said in a statement from Ireland’s Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism on Friday.
“It seems scarcely believable that another tragedy has befallen the Dunlop family, a family that has given so much to the sporting world in these islands and elsewhere.
“At a time when we mourn the death of a champion, we recall the courage and dedication that Robert showed in coming back to the sport following a very serious crash at the Isle of Man TT more than a decade ago.
“Our sympathies are with his family and friends. They have lost someone very special, and Irish sport, both North and South, has lost a great ambassador.”
The Minister also expressed his wishes that another Irish rider injured in the accident, Darren Burns, makes a full recovery. Burns was riding behind Dunlop when the former crashed and could not avoid colliding with him, suffering a suspected broken leg in the process.
