Legend Joey as popular as ever

Golfer Padraig Harrington claimed the top spot, with rugby star Brian O'Driscoll in second place and five-times Formula One World Champion Joey next, claiming third ahead of bookies' favourite George Best and Manchester United idol Roy Keane.

Dunlop also eclipsed fellow sporting greats Alex Higgins, Barry McGuigan, Tony McCoy, and Dame Mary Peters in the Irish opinion poll.

The Northern Ireland public were also invited to participate in the online vote, the results of which were unveiled during a glittering ceremony in Dublin screened on RTE 1 on Thursday night.

The outcome of the major public census in the Republic reflects Joey's universal appeal and his incredible popularity on both sides on the border.

It was often said that Joey – who hailed from Armoy – was a sportsman who transcended the religious divide – a conviction proven time and again as fans from the north and south united in their admiration and support of a truly remarkable competitor as they stood shoulder to shoulder at national and international road race meetings throughout the country and roared him to victory.

Joey, who received an MBE in 1986 for his motorcycling prowess and was also later honoured with an OBE in 1996 in recognition of his charity relief trips to provide food, clothing and supplies to the impoverished in Romania and the Balkans, still stands head and shoulders above the rest as the most decorated rider in the history of the Isle of Man TT races with 26 wins – 11 clear of his nearest challenger, modern-day hero John McGuinness.

Famed for his evocative yellow Arai helmet design and lucky No.3 plate, Joey was largely responsible for elevating the status of 'pure' road racing and raising the profile of the Isle of Man TT – the world's most notorious motorcycle race.

His death aged 48 following a crash in the 125cc race at an obscure event in Tallinn, Estonia, in July 2000 rocked the sport to its foundations, with critics predicting Joey's tragic demise would herald the end of motorcycle racing between the hedges.

Over 50,000 mourners from across Ulster, the Republic, the UK and from around the world attended his funeral at Garryduff Presbyterian Church on the outskirts of Ballymoney.

In spite of the gloomy proclamations of the doom merchants, the sport eventually recovered from Joey's death and continues to thrive today.

His nephew, Michael, breathed new life into the Dunlop legacy on the Isle of Man last June, when he won the second Supersport race aged just 20.

However, Joey's brother Robert – a legend in his own right – was killed in 2008 when he crashed during practice for the 250cc race at the North West 200, where he still holds the record for the most victories with 15 successes to his credit.

The results of RTE 1's public poll for Ireland's Greatest Ever Sportsperson were: 1 Padraig Harrington (Golf); 2 Brian O'Driscoll (Rugby); 3 Joey Dunlop (Motorcycling); 4 George Best (Football); 5 Roy Keane (Football); 6 Sean Kelly (Cycling); 7 Sonya O'Sullivan (Athletics); 8 Christy Ring (Hurling); 9 Vincent O'Brien (Horse Racing); 10 Paul McGrath (Football).