Massive desire to see tribute plans succeed

Dunlop (47) was killed during a practice crash at Mather's Cross at the North West 200 in May 2008.

Following Robert's tragic death, Beckett – in consultation with the Dunlop family and Ballymoney Council – pledged to raise the funds necessary to commission a tribute sculpture to the celebrated road racer.

It is estimated that the statue will cost in the region of 60,000.

Beckett, who was a close confidante of Dunlop, said that approximately 18,000 has been collected to date through numerous fundraising events, including a highly successful 'Legends' football match in September which was supported by a plethora of Irish league stars past and present.

The former Cliftonville and Institute manager revealed that he is in the process of organising a celebrity golf day during the North West 200 festival in May.

"We held a very successful Legends football match in September and we hope to hold a celebrity golf day during the North West 200 week in May. We will also have a Robert Dunlop Memorial Sculpture Fund stall in the paddock at the North West 200, where people can make donations and purchase items of memorabilia," he said.

"So far, we've collected around 18,000, so there's still some way to go yet.

"We've been holding events to try and raise the funds necessary for the sculpture. Ballymoney council is providing the garden, but the rest of the money will have to be raised and we reckon it could cost in the region of 60,000.

"People want to see a memorial tribute to Robert Dunlop in Ballymoney and we are very determined to see this through.

"Thousands of people come to see the statue of Joey and it would be fitting if fans were able to come to the town and pay their respects to both brothers and remember their many incredible achievements."

Explaining the background behind the ambitious scheme, Beckett – a columnist for our sister paper the News Letter – says the initiative has been instigated with the full backing of Robert's widow, Louise, and three sons, William, Michael and Daniel.

"I was approached by Ballymoney Council shortly after Robert's death and since that initial approach there have been ongoing discussions between myself, the Dunlop family and the council," he said.

"In light of the fact that Robert was an honorary freeman of the Ballymoney borough, we wanted to ensure that we had a memorial tribute befitting of someone of Robert's standing and after discussions it was decided that a memorial garden beside his brother Joey's was the best way to honour him.

"This is for a new garden beside Joey's Memorial Garden in Ballymoney and the design of the sculpture will be kept under wraps until the day of the unveiling, but it is very impressive."

Beckett was unveiled as Ballymoney's Black Santa during the latter stages of his pre-Christmas sit-out in the town, which he undertook to raise cash for the Robert Dunlop Memorial Sculpture Fund, St Vincent de Paul, Friends of the Disabled and the Salvation Army.

Robert's untimely death sent shockwaves through the world of motorcycle road racing.

He remains the most successful rider ever in the history of the North West 200, with 15 victories to his credit, two more than his brother Joey.

In 1991, he demonstrated his ability on the short circuits by winning the 125cc British title. Robert also triumphed in European Championship races.

Throughout his career, he chalked up over 100 national and international wins, including victories at the Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix.

He earned a reputation as a fearless competitor, who fought back time and again from career-threatening injuries to triumph over adversity and return to the top step of the podium.

His status as one of Ballymoney's most famous sons was underpinned when he became a freeman of the borough in 2007.

Along with his brother Joey, he was honoured with an Honorary Degree from the University of Ulster in February 2006 and also received an honorary Doctorate of the University (DUniv) from the University of Ulster in Coleraine.

n Donations to the Robert Dunlop Memorial Sculpture Fund can be made at the Northern Bank, High Street, Ballymoney. The account number is: 50091553 and sort code: 95-02-37.