Joey Dunlop 25: the best photos as motorbike racing stars including Jonathan Rea, Jeremy McWilliams and Glenn Irwin celebrate life of Ballymoney icon

Thousands of people descended on Ballymoney on Saturday in honour of road racing legend Joey Dunlop ahead of the 25th anniversary of his death this July.

The Co Antrim town was packed with fans who wanted to be part of the Joey 25 celebration event which paid homage to the sporting icon who lost his life in a racing accident in Estonia on July 2, 2000.

The special celebration day, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in conjunction with the Dunlop family, involved a variety of events to celebrate the life and legacy of the local legend and international sports star.

For many people, the Parade of Champions, when 25 of Joey’s former racing motorcycles were ridden by many of his past team-mates, rivals and friends, including World Superbike champions Jonathan Rea and Carl Fogarty, was a real highlight of the day.

These photos capture some of the atmosphere of a memorable tribute to the legendary Joey Dunlop.

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