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 As
thousands of motorcycle racing fans flock to Northern
Ireland's Antrim Coast to follow their idols
at the NW 200, it's hard to believe that mindless thugs would
destroy a harmless yet extremely emotive memorial
to one of Ulster's greatest sporting heroes.
But in the small hours of Thursday 13th May 2004,
a stone plaque in the Joey Dunlop memorial garden,
in Ballymoney, was smashed to pieces. Why ?
As people from the area and NW200 fans from further
afield made clear their disgust at this act of
vandalism, Joey's Mother summed up the pointlessness
of the attack : "I'm just so angry that anyone
would do the like of this, as Joey made no difference
to either the rich, the poor, the Catholic or
the Protestant".
Usually the BBC and the media in general have
to try to show both sides of an argument, but
how can any sane person argue a case where this
behavior is acceptable ?
What`s your view ? Add a comment at the bottom
of the page.
Your
Replies
G.van Veluw,Netherlands - Feb '08
It's a shame to do such things,to destroy that
monument.No words for such a vandalisme.
Pete Hurst - May '07
Yet again you have to shake your head
at how many mindless individuals are still making
our lives a total misery.
How can anyone do this to someone who gave so
much enjoyment is very hard to understand.
ps what will these people be remember for ?
Fan No. 1 - Feb '07
Why...........wasn't an airport named for Joey??..He
was as everyone agrees, an excellent sportsman
and a fine ambassador for this wee country....so
why so little in the line of accolades? No offence
to George Best but...how many years did he actually
play football...let's face it, he was more famous
for being a drunk.
Dougie Meikle - Feb '07
Why Oh Why ? would these mindless individuals
do a thing like this Joey Dunlop was a man of
the people no matter what creed or religion they
were ,I think a certain amout of jealousy is involved
here, these people should be ashamed of what they
have done. I am really angry about what has happened.
Tom Cudworth - Dec '06
Anyonw know how I can get in touch with Terry
Magee. Or does anyone have any information about
Geoff Barry as I am his nephew and am trying to
find out more about him? Thanks, Tom.
John Phoenix - Sep '06
These vandals, who have no conscience, could not
possibly be humbled by Joey’s outstanding
achievements, I have visited the memorial in January
of this year and was mesmerized by the atmosphere
just being there.
So a message for these destructive fools, you
did not spoil it for me.
P Deaves - Aug '06
Joey - what a great lad, the best.
Jim (Belfast) - Aug '06
Simple as this we live in a society of bigotry
and hatred there will allways be a minority of
brain dead people who in the words of Paul Simon
hear what they want to hear and disregard the
rest.
The Ecclesville Bard - Jan '06
Just why any Individual(s) would want to destroy
a memorial to a sporting hero is beyond me!
Joey Dunlop was a sporting ambassador, a man of
exceptional talent and bravery. Motorcycle enthusiasts
from Ireland, Europe and throughout the world
were in awe at his prowess on a motorcycle, he
was a man who always uped the ante, his historic
wins on the Isle of Man speaks volumes for his
ability as probably the world's greatest road-racer.
On the way home from a community conference on
the North Antrim coast about a year ago, we stopped
at Joey Dunlop's Memorial to take some photographs
and I remember saying 'It is a fitting tribute
to a brave sporting hero, a thoroughly deserved
tribute to a man who eventually lost his life
participating in the sport that he nurtured and
loved."
Terry Magee - June '05
Can anyone please give me the details regarding
the accident RE Geoff Barry 1977 as just prior
to this race I had been Geoffs mechanic for some
eight years and did not prepare his bikes for
this meeting and I am still blaming myself for
the death of one of motorcyclings true gentlemen.
Terry Magee.
Tracey Cooke - June '05
Joey was the best. it`s that simple! there will
never be another like him, many have tried, some
still try, but it`s just a waste of time.he will
live on forever in our hearts
Viktor Blain - May '05
Robert needs to retire now before he ends up like
joey.
Phillip Padden - March 05
Joey dunlop was my favourite bike rider and when
he died I was devastated. Hhe was a kind helpful
person. I wish I could have met him.
Mitchell - December '04
This act of vandalism disgusts me to the core.
I would give anything to have been sitting in
that garden when the thugs came to do the damage,
they would have felt the full force of my wrath,
fueled by the awesome respect I have for Joey
Dunlop. The best thing is, while these little,
pathetic excuses for people get their rocks off
by doing something so stupid, no-one but no-one
can take away from the greatness that was and
still is (the memory of) Joey. They cannot hurt
the reputation of a hero once he has departed
from this world. Respect is a rarity in this day
and age, so when you see it, it stands out, it
makes a statement. Much more so than some stupid
act of vandalism, and the dopes that did it. 'YER
MAUN'.
Victor Blain - November - '04
I feel sick looking at this sort of thing, but
the people that done this could not lace Joey's
boots.
Shamon - September 2004
There are no words to describe what lobotomised
idiots did the vandalism, well perhaps just a
ned with nothing better to do
Joey is at rest whilst you toil
Martin McCrellis - May 2004
I think this was a tragic incident that hurt everyone.
John Beattie - May 2004
How would the thugs that smashed up Joey's plaque
like this done to any of their parents' plaque
in the name of their memory. Joey was a great
sporting hero in this country of ours. He had
time for everyone young and old; catholic or protestant.
All he wanted to do was race. He will always be
in my memory and I'm glad that some kind person
has offered to fix it up free of charge, that
is a sporting thing to do to this great sportsman
Jack McConnell - May '04
Joey was possibly the best ambassador of Northern
Ireland we've ever had. He was regarded the whole
world over for his humility, simplicity and love
of his sport. Whoever broke up his memorial should
be truly ashamed. Over a hundred thousand NW supporters
will feel personally affronted and very angry
about it.
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