Sad news after a crash at the skerries 100 today it's now been reported by the organisers that he lost his fight and passed away at 17.15 this evening.
Me and Emma met him on the wee train from the airport to the N.E.C. bike show a few years ago .
A really nice down to earth guy with a couple of mates we had a laugh and he spoke about racing .a lovely bloke .
:cry2: :sad: :cry2:
William Dunlop. :sad: :sad: :cry2:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/northern-ireland/44754057
Just added to the motorsport thread
Top bloke and sad lose
:sad: :cry2:
Terribly sad news. Respect.
Jez sad days another Dunlop away
Very sad. :cry2:
Anyone who hasn't seen it REALLY should watch the movie "Road" about the Dunlop family.
Such sad news...RIP William.
R.I.P. :bugga:
very sad news indeed ... another sad loss for the Dunlop family .
RIP William - a true gentleman of the paddock.
ah bugger eh.
Someone once said "We love 'em (the Dunlop family) because they are like us, but really they aren't". It's was said in a complimentary way, and he tried to explain himself, but I knew what he meant.
Very sad news, RIP
Shocked at the news. A sense of real loss. William was a quiet & unassuming guy around the road racing scene. He attended all of the Irish road races & will be sadly missed. My condolences to his family & many friends.
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R.I.P. William
R.I.P. William Dunlop :cry2:
Went for a ride on the bike to see my Dad today. Said to him have you heard about William Dunlop. He says, Oh whats he been up to ? He died today Dad, after crashing in practice. Tears filled his eyes......Dad is 84.
Quote from: Kiwifruit on Sunday, 08 July 2018, 06:26 PM
Went for a ride on the bike to see my Dad today. Said to him have you heard about William Dunlop. He says, Oh whats he been up to ? He died today Dad, after crashing in practice. Tears filled his eyes......Dad is 84.
I was thinking of watching the Dunlop movie again.
That was a lump in the throat / something in my eye event last time.
When they told the boys they couldn't race between their fathers death and his funeral and both pushed their bikes out on the start line and no one was game to stop them.... :cry2:
A very sad start to my weekend, I was told by the barman when I ordered our drinks, we go to a shabeen near the pits, that section of the track was still cordoned off when we where leaving at 3 am on Sunday morning.
Very sad indeed. A family full of talent, the price of which has been tragedy.
http://www.mcnews.com.au/william-dunlop-dies-skerries100-2018/
Shit, that's so sad.
The only up side is he died doing what he loved most, just like his father and uncle.
Another Dunlop lost, very sad news R.I.P William.
What a strong woman. This message issued on what would have been Williams 33rd Birthday.
MESSAGE FROM JANINE
On the Friday when Ella and I waved William off in his van for the weekend he had the biggest smile on his face, he was genuinely looking forward to heading away for a couple of days racing. No pressure, no worries, just go and enjoy himself – that is the precious last memory I have of Will leaving our home. We felt as if we had weathered the worst of the storm for this year. Our luck was changing and plans were being made for the coming exciting months as we prepared for life as a family of four. The anxiety that usually appeared when he left for a race weekend wasn't there this time, in fact, when I got news that there may be some kind of problem, the thought that this could be concern over William didn't even initially enter my head. The words that followed in the next few minutes didn't register, to be truthful, I'm not sure if they do now. We were so happy; this isn't how it was supposed to go.
Going off to race in his old van, which incidentally was his pride and joy no matter how many times it broke down on us, was just life to William – a life that he loved. I think I always knew that racing would always be part of our lives, he would never be able to let go of that pull. It is intrinsic to who he was, who he always will be. Although as past couple of years I could clearly see how something had shifted for him. The day that Ella was born I looked at him when they placed her in his arms and I watched him fall in love. That will always be my most treasured memory. I don't think he could believe that surge of love himself. The focus on planning a year out through the coming races was now filled with a countdown each time he went away until he was back at home. From my point of view, the past few months I had come to completely rely on him as I worried about our baby on the way. William never let me down, he stepped up and looked after us so incredibly well – I knew that he would always put his family first, and in turn, William knew how much we absolutely adored him. Our family was our complete universe – our own little bubble and I am struggling to let go of that. I think that is why for the days since I found out I have just wanted to hide. Speaking about it would make everything a reality and I'm just not ready to allow that to fully happen yet.
I just wanted you to know that I have read the messages of support and condolence and I am so, so grateful for them. Everyone who has sent cards, posted their memories and images and shared how they felt that they knew William have been such a comfort, please know how much I truly treasure them. Speaking to those who were the closest to him – his circle of friends and sponsors who stood by him when things were at their toughest, was a small but genuine group and having them around him was so important. It makes me realise how lucky we are to have them in our lives. I don't think William knew just how exceptionally special he was, for someone who preferred to say very little, he really could make a lasting impact. It was that indescribable quality that made me fall in love with him. It has been mentioned many times how uncomfortable he got with any form of praise, but I think Will would have been so proud to know how much he is thought of and somewhere he is smiling to himself.
To those who visited Louise's home and attended the funeral, please know that support is very much valued. Seeing the care and love given to William's Mummy and Nana has been remarkable. His brothers have done him so proud. As a couple, we created a new family circle and combined they have taken such special care of Ella and I, organising everything and allowing me to concentrate on my main priority – my babies. My mum, granny and sister haven't left my side and I don't know what I would have done without them. Road racers have hearts like lions, but I am surrounded by the strongest women you could ever hope to meet. I hope that I can do them proud too.
William raced because it was his passion, woven deep within his DNA, but he was allowed to live his life doing that passion professionally thanks to his supporters. Thank you for that unfaltering support. Finally, to those who have been so outstandingly generous to Ella and I, well, thank you just isn't anywhere near enough, but please know how much I truly appreciate it. You have shown such incredible compassion. One day I will be able to share the incredible memories and achievements with both our children, I will also be able to share the little mundane private memories that made up our family life – all of them are equally as important. They will always know how special Daddy was and how much he loves them – William was a tremendous sportsman, but where he really shone brightest was as a father. I promise that they will always know that.
I miss him more than words can possibly say, but am so thankful I will always have part of William with me, forever.
I would give anything for one more day.
Thank you with all my heart,
Jan
wow...just wow.....
Today l read in a NZ bike magazine the cause of the crash.
According to his mechanic it appears his bike bottomed out tearing out the sump plug. We all know what happens next.
Only the good die young. Respect.
What an amazing letter.
That a simple man can make such a impression on life and the lives of everybody around him.
Not really known what to think about the letter other than to admire her strength and courage.
Her William certainly enriched the lives of those that knew him.
It is the mark of the man that he was so highly regarded.