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Stories in Sound

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Radio Ulster brings together radio documentaries from UK and Irish broadcasters.

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Stories in Sound: Remembering William Dunlop

Remembering William Dunlop

BBC Radio Ulster - Stories in Sound, Remembering William Dunlop

Family, friends and fellow riders remember one of our greatest motorcycle road racers.

As the road race season ends for another year, family, friends and fellow riders remember one of Northern Ireland's greatest motorcycle road racers.

As the road race season ends for another year, Stephen Watson recalls the life of the late William Dunlop.

Growing up as part of the legendary Dunlop racing dynasty, with father Robert and uncle Joey, it was perhaps inevitable that William would take up racing himself. Quiet and shy as a young boy, he was passionate about sport and a talented footballer, but with racing in the blood, it was lure of motorcycles that proved irresistible – and William would prove himself to be one of our greatest racers before his tragic death in 2018.

Ryan Farquhar recalls a young Dunlop being lapped on a 125cc at Aghadowey, but before long he was winning big races at the Ulster Grand Prix and the North West 200, with prestigious podium finishes at the Isle of Man TT.

This programme features interviews with many of those who knew him best. Fellow riders like Farquhar, Phillip McCallen, Glenn Irwin and Lee Johnston recall some famous victories, including William’s incredible last minute overtake of Bruce Anstey at the Ulster Grand Prix, and a now legendary head to head with his own brother Michael at the North West 200.

Off the track William was a devoted father, and moving interviews with his partner Janine are at the heart of the programme. She recalls William's devotion to their daughter Ella, and the second daughter Willa who he tragically never had the chance to meet. He died in practice at Skerries shortly before her birth, aged just 32.

This programme was originally broadcast as a television documentary on BBC One NI in May 2019.

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