Tribute to Robert opened

Almost two years after his tragic death, Ballymoney Borough Council unveiled a memorial garden in memory of Robert Dunlop, in his home town.

The 47-year-old passed away after suffering fatal injuries in a crash during a practice session at the North West 200 on May 15, 2008.

The landmark was opened by Mayor Frank Campbell and will act as a place of pilgrimage for bike fans visiting the area throughout race week and beyond.

The new garden is positioned alongside that of brother Joey's at Castle Street, providing excellent sites for people to come and reflect on the legendary pair's many epic triumphs.

A granite column forms the centrepiece of the garden and details Robert's greatest victories prior to his premature death at the age of 47 during practise ahead of the North West 200 in 2008.

Later this year a sculpture of Robert will take pride of place in the garden.

This week those behind efforts to commission a sculpture of the Mighty Micro will be working around the clock to pull in the remaining funds needed for the life-like sculpture.

The sculpture is being funded through donations made to the Robert Dunlop Memorial Sculpture Fund.

Chairperson of the fund's committee - Robert's former mechanic and friend Liam Beckett - said they are currently 15,000 short of the 60,000 needed to finance the sculpture.

"This is down to the generosity of public and some businesses who have been very helpful," he said.

"Since September there has been a big, big push and I have no doubt come the end of the week we won't be far off that total."

The committee will have a stall throughout the North West 200 races and a special chat show will take place in Portrush on Thursday as well as a motorcycle show in the Manor Hotel, Ballymoney on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in order to raise funds. A special golf day has also been planned for Wednesday featuring a number of sporting and television stars.

"We are absolutely delighted with the response so far," said Mr Beckett.

"It is something Robert would have been very proud of and is befitting of him.

"I must also commend Ballymoney Borough Council who have been fantastic throughout this.

"They provided the ground and it looks fantastic. We are all delighted with the finished product."

The sculptor commissioned to create the centrepiece bronze statue of Robert for the 'King of the North West's' memorial garden was in Ballymoney visiting the site for the first time recently.

David Annand from Dundee discussed the finer details of the 60,000 statue project as he was shown the work completed to date at the memorial garden by Mr Beckett.

Mr Annand also met with council officers and members of Robert's family.

He has sculpted motorsport stars in the past including Steve Hislop, Stirling Moss and Mike Hailwood. He has also sculpted poet Robert Burns.

He said: "Robert's son William saw the Steve Hislop memorial I did on the Isle of Man. They confirmed that it was the sort of thing they were after, which is Steve Hislop in all his leathers. So we are going to do something similar here.

"Robert will be standing with his laurels and a bottle of champagne, with his helmet at his feet in a gladiatorial sort of stance for the victor."