Michael’s heroics marked at Ballymoney exhibition

When the exhibition was launched, back in May, Michael had three famous wins at the TT. A month later, the talented Ballymoney rider went to the Island and dominated the week’s racing with an incredible four more wins, only narrowly missing out on a fifth win by 10 seconds.

Michael’s achievement was made all the more impressive by the fact that he became the first man to beat John McGuinness in a straight premier class shootout since 2003. At 24 years old, many more TT triumphs are anticipated and Michael has become a hero at the Isle of Man like his father, Robert, and his uncle Joey.

Michael’s success also appears to have given a welcome boost to Ballymoney Museum’s latest exhibition, “Ulster’s TT Heroes”.

Already this summer 3,000 visitors from across the UK, Ireland, Europe, Australia and even the USA have been to the museum to discover the exciting history of the Isle of Man TT, the exploits of Ulster’s most successful riders and the incredible feats of Ballymoney men such the Dunlop family and Adrian Archibald.

A quick scrutiny of TT statistics shows that 50% of the races won by Ulstermen at the Isle of Man TT were claimed by Ballymoney men; and, of course, almost all the Ballymoney trophies have been won by the Dunlops!

Messages of praise for “Ulster’s TT Heroes” have been filling the Ballymoney Museum visitor book: “I could have spent all day here!”, “biketastic,” “a great tribute to legends, the bravest of men”, “well worth the visit!”. The museum has become to be ‘the place to be’ for road racing enthusiasts and hundreds more bikers are expected in the weeks ahead.

“Ulster’s TT Heroes” runs until 24th August 2013. Opening hours Monday – Thursday, Saturday 9am-5pm & Friday 9.30am-4.30pm, Tel: 028 2766 0230 Email: [email protected]. Admission free.