This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7404223.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Dunlop killed in road race crash Dunlop killed in road race crash
(30 minutes later)
One of Northern Ireland's best known motorcyclists has been killed in a high speed crash at the North West 200.One of Northern Ireland's best known motorcyclists has been killed in a high speed crash at the North West 200.
Robert Dunlop, 47, suffered severe chest injuries at a practice session near Portrush in County Antrim on Thursday. He died later in hospital.Robert Dunlop, 47, suffered severe chest injuries at a practice session near Portrush in County Antrim on Thursday. He died later in hospital.
Dunlop had been riding a specially adapted bike after he returned to racing following an horrific crash at the Isle of Man TT in 1994.Dunlop had been riding a specially adapted bike after he returned to racing following an horrific crash at the Isle of Man TT in 1994.
His brother, Joey, was killed in a racing accident in Estonia in 2000.His brother, Joey, was killed in a racing accident in Estonia in 2000.
Thursday's accident happened in the 250cc qualifying session. The riders had been travelling at speeds of about 160mph as they approached the Mathers Cross section of the course.Thursday's accident happened in the 250cc qualifying session. The riders had been travelling at speeds of about 160mph as they approached the Mathers Cross section of the course.
Dunlop's bike appeared to seize and he went over the handlebars.Dunlop's bike appeared to seize and he went over the handlebars.
He was rushed to the Causeway Hospital in nearby Coleraine, where he died from his injuries shortly after 2200 BST. The Ballymoney man was rushed to the Causeway Hospital in nearby Coleraine, where he died from his injuries shortly after 2200 BST.
His sons, Michael and William, had been taking part in the North West 200.His sons, Michael and William, had been taking part in the North West 200.
606: DEBATE Send your tributes after Robert Dunlop's death606: DEBATE Send your tributes after Robert Dunlop's death
Another Northern Ireland rider, Darren Burns, suffered a suspected broken leg and concussion in the same accident.Another Northern Ireland rider, Darren Burns, suffered a suspected broken leg and concussion in the same accident.
Burns was following behind and was unable to avoid hitting the Ballymoney rider. He is said to be stable in hospital.Burns was following behind and was unable to avoid hitting the Ballymoney rider. He is said to be stable in hospital.
Another Northern Ireland rider, Denver Robb, was behind both motorcyclists when the accident happened. A colleague, Denver Robb, was behind both motorcyclists when the accident happened.
"Coming up to Mathers (Cross), Burns was leading and I was second, just sitting in his slipstream," he said."Coming up to Mathers (Cross), Burns was leading and I was second, just sitting in his slipstream," he said.
"Then Robert - it was one of the Dunlops - came past me and as soon as he did he just shot off into Mathers and the bike seized."Then Robert - it was one of the Dunlops - came past me and as soon as he did he just shot off into Mathers and the bike seized.
"There was a puff of smoke and the bike locked up, she went sideways, and I think Robert must have grabbed the front brake."There was a puff of smoke and the bike locked up, she went sideways, and I think Robert must have grabbed the front brake.
"He went out over the top of the bike and landed on the road. Then Burnsy had nowhere to go and he clipped him and he went straight on."
Clerk of Course Mervyn Whyte said he was devastated by the death.
Robert was one of NI's best known and most experienced ridersRobert was one of NI's best known and most experienced riders
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Robert's family and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Louise, children William, Daniel and Michael and wider family circle," he said. "He went out over the top of the bike and landed on the road. Then Burnsy had nowhere to go and he clipped him and he went straight on."
"The MCUI (UC) - Motor Cycling Union of Ireland and PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) are in the process of fully investigating the incident which happened during the 125, 250, 400 practice session on the first lap. 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.
"Robert was one of Northern Ireland's best known and most experienced riders, who will always been remembered for his infectious personality and love for road racing." The remainder of the 1980s saw him becoming a regular winner on the Northern Ireland road racing scene.
1989 proved a hugely successful year, which included his first Isle of Man TT win.
His last major international road race win came when he won the 125cc event at the North West 200 in 2006.
Tributes to the motorcycling ace have been pouring in from all sections of the community in Northern Ireland.
Liam Beckett, Dunlop's long-time mechanic and a close friend, said: "I don't know of a more caring and devoted father - he just lived for his family.
"They are a unique and resilient family, and to be honest they were in pieces last night."
Mervyn White, Clerk of the Course at the North West 200, said: "This was an accident which appears at the present time to be machine failure.
"It could have happened anywhere at all, it could have happened on the open road."
First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said they were deeply saddened by the death.First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said they were deeply saddened by the death.
"This is a tragedy that will be felt deeply by the people of Northern Ireland," Mr Paisley said.
"Robert was one of our greatest sportsmen and will be sadly missed."
Mr McGuinness said: "Robert, like his brother Joey before him, was a tremendous ambassador for his sport.
"I also offer my sincerest sympathies to his family."
Northern Ireland Sports Minister Edwin Poots said: "Robert was a much loved respected and talented member of the motorsport community and will be missed by all."Northern Ireland Sports Minister Edwin Poots said: "Robert was a much loved respected and talented member of the motorsport community and will be missed by all."
The Motor Cycling Union of Ireland and PSNI are investigating the incident.
Dunlop is also survived by his wife Louise and other son Daniel.