Jim Dunlop granted opportunity to represent Joey at TT

Ex-Armoy Armada rider Jim Dunlop has been granted the opportunity to represent his brother Joey in a special parade lap celebrating the Isle of Man TT legend’s greatest rivals at the Classic TT Races.
By Una Culkin
Published 14th Aug 2014, 11:00 BST
PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 23/6/2009: Armoy road race Clerk of the Course Bill Kennedy (right) and Jim Dunlop, the only surviving member of the infamous Armoy Armada racing quartet that hailed from the Co Antrim village, are pictured at the Dark Hedges in Stranocum. The pair are photographed with Mervyn Robinson and Frank Kennedy's race bikes. The original Armoy Armada comprised Frank Kennedy, Bill's brother, Mervyn Robinson, Joey and Jim Dunlop. Frank and Mervyn lost their lives in racing crashes at the North West 200 and Joey was killed in Estonia in 2000. PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISONPACEMAKER, BELFAST, 23/6/2009: Armoy road race Clerk of the Course Bill Kennedy (right) and Jim Dunlop, the only surviving member of the infamous Armoy Armada racing quartet that hailed from the Co Antrim village, are pictured at the Dark Hedges in Stranocum. The pair are photographed with Mervyn Robinson and Frank Kennedy's race bikes. The original Armoy Armada comprised Frank Kennedy, Bill's brother, Mervyn Robinson, Joey and Jim Dunlop. Frank and Mervyn lost their lives in racing crashes at the North West 200 and Joey was killed in Estonia in 2000. PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON
PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 23/6/2009: Armoy road race Clerk of the Course Bill Kennedy (right) and Jim Dunlop, the only surviving member of the infamous Armoy Armada racing quartet that hailed from the Co Antrim village, are pictured at the Dark Hedges in Stranocum. The pair are photographed with Mervyn Robinson and Frank Kennedy's race bikes. The original Armoy Armada comprised Frank Kennedy, Bill's brother, Mervyn Robinson, Joey and Jim Dunlop. Frank and Mervyn lost their lives in racing crashes at the North West 200 and Joey was killed in Estonia in 2000. PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON

Dunlop wasn’t part of the 26 riders initially invited to participate in the parade, entitled ‘Joey Dunlop Road Racing Legend – The Rivals’ Parade Lap,’ which will take place on Saturday, August 23.

And last week Jim told of his disappointment at the omission, saying the decision felt ‘like a kick in the teeth’.

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In response, the Isle of Man Government’s David Cretney said he ‘appreciated that any list of Joey’s greatest rivals will undoubtedly be subjective and provoke great debate,’ but added that the list had been compiled by ‘The Department’s Officers… after consulting a number of respected representatives of the motorcycling community’.

However, on Wednesday a statement issued by Mr Cretney said Dunlop would represent his brother Joey after all, becoming the 27th rider to participate in the parade.

See more in next week’s Ballymoney and Moyle Times.