A planning application has been submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Council for a memorial statue of William Dunlop to be placed in the Robert Dunlop Memorial Gardens, Castle Street, Ballymoney.
Road racer William was killed instantly in an accident at the Skerries 100 meeting in North Co Dublin on July 7, 2018.
William was part of the Dunlop motorcycle racing dynasty. He was the elder brother of Michael and both were sons of the late Robert Dunlop, and nephews of the late Joey Dunlop.
A quiet but popular figure, the 32-year old enjoyed a distinguished career. He began racing in 2000 and accumulated 108 Irish National Road Race wins during a distinguished career, including 15 at the Skerries circuit which ultimately claimed his life.
William rode for many of the leading road racing teams, including Hector and Philip Neill’s Tyco-backed TAS Racing team, Shaun Muir’s Milwaukee Yamaha outfit, Wilson Craig Racing and Tim Martin’s Temple Golf Club Yamaha team.
He achieved four wins at the North West 200, including successes in the 125cc and 250cc races in 2009, a Supersport triumph in 2012 and a Superbike victory in 2014.
William won seven races at the Ulster Grand Prix in Dundrod, three in the Supersport class, two on 125cc machines and two in the 250cc class.
His best result at the TT was a second place in TT Zero in 2016, while he also finished third on four separate occasions.
In 2018 William was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Gala Sports Awards.
The planning application shows the proposed layout with William’s statue standing next to his dad Robert’s, with a similar black polished granite plinth.
Councillor John McAuley, who seconded the original motion for a memorial to William, said: “William was not only a sporting superstar, but one of life’s great people in general who will never be forgotten.”
“I am delighted to see this planning application submitted and look forward to William’s achievements being recognised by the borough.”
The application will come before the planning committee within the next few weeks.
