Manx residents to remember Dunlop

Mayor Dorothy Pitts was the first to sign (pic: Douglas Council)

A book of condolence for five-times TT champion Robert Dunlop has been opened on the Isle of Man.

The 47-year-old biker was killed in a high-speed crash during a practice lap for the 250cc race at the North West 200 in Northern Ireland last week.

Dunlop had strong links with the island and the book has been opened at Douglas Town Hall.

It will stay open throughout the TT fortnight to allow people to leave their memories of the racing legend.

Mayor Dorothy Pitts was the first to sign the book.

Funeral held

"Like his late brother Joey, Dr Robert Dunlop had strong links with the Isle of Man - and Douglas in particular - through the TT, in which he triumphed five times," said Mrs Pitts.

"A sportsman of international class and worthy ambassador for his home town of Ballymoney, Robert will be sadly missed.

"On behalf of the Borough of Douglas I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and join with them and the Mayor of Ballymoney, councillor John Finlay, in mourning his passing."

Dunlop was honorary freeman of the Borough of Ballymoney, which is twinned with Douglas.

Mourners described the racer as an "inspiration" at his funeral on Sunday.

Dunlop made his debut on the Northern Ireland roads as a teenager in 1979 and went on to claim his first major win in the Isle of Man in 1983 when he won the Newcomers 350cc race at the Manx Grand Prix.