Special tribute to Robert?
Thursday, 22 May 2008
THERE are increasing calls for a separate memorial to be erected in memory of Robert Dunlop in his home town of Ballymoney following his tragic death last week.
The 47-year-old road racing legend lost his life following a high speed crash during practice for the Kennedy International North West 200 last Thursday evening.
Thousands of mourners, including the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, attended a Service of Thanksgiving in Garryduff Presbyterian Church on Sunday after which Robert was laid to rest beside his brother Joey.
Now there are suggestions that the younger of the racing brothers should be accorded similar status to Joey who has a memorial garden dedicated to his memory in the centre of Ballymoney.
The mayor of Ballymoney, Cllr John Finlay, would not be drawn on the issue, other than to say that it would be discussed at a forthcoming council meeting, but local Sinn Fein councillor Anita Cavlan was more forthright.
Offering her deepest sympathies to Robert's wife Louise and family, Cllr Cavlan said it was her hope that a monument be erected to the man who holds the record for most wins at the North West 200.
“I would suggest that it should be a separate memorial from Joey," said Cllr Cavlan. "We should have a monument to Robert as well in Ballymoney. In my eyes they have equal status. Joey is better known than Robert, but in recent times Robert came from under his brother's shadow out on his own."
