Only three days ago my blog entry was Rummi tee 3 where I thought the circle was unbroken in that I had visited the three significant places in the death of Joey Dunlop.

I awoke this morning to the tragic news that Joeys eldest nephew William had died while practising for todays race in Dublin, Northern Island at the Skerries 100.

It was a track he knew well having raced and won there on no less then 15 occassions.

The accident occurred at Sam Tunnel a well known feature on this raod circuit at 1700hrs (5pm) when William was out in Free Practice on his No6 Temple Golf Club Yamaha YFR-1M a bike that he was campaigning sucessfully tis season.

At 32 years of age William is the eldest son of the late Robert Dunlop (Joey's brother).

I have also visited the Robert Dunlop memorial which is at Balleymoney in the same gardens as his brothers memorial.

Robert was killed in the North West 200 in 2008, this race is also a part of the Irish Road Racing series an I visited it in 2013.

William began his road racing career in 2000 the same year as his Uncle Joey was killed in Estonia.

He had competed in 108 of the Irish Road Races and included were victories on 4 occassions at the North West 200.

He had also won the Ulster GP in 7 different years.

My best memories of William who I met at the TT on the IOM was as one of the Tyco BMW riders. His size seemed to suit the BMW as the photo album shows.

The famous TT saw William achieve 5 podium finishes.

His best been the 2016 Zero race where he finished 2nd.

On four other occassions he was 3rd.

The last line of the official temple Golf Club Yamaha Team statement probably summs up the thoughts of the world motorcycle community as they prepare for yet another funneral.

"The team are still numb and in shock.

William lost his life doing what he loves most but that does not make the reality any easier and we are sure that it will be of no comfort to Janine,Ella and the Dunlop family.

We can not even begin to imagine what the family is going through,our thoughts and prayers are of course with themall and all our team members and sponsors at this sad time.

William was a gentleman in every sense and he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him".

A quiet somewhat reserved rider William can also be remembered as a humble person,a best lad to have on your side,someone who while very talented on the motorcycle never sought to elavate himself above the level of the everyday racer.

William, like your father Robert and your Uncle Joey you came to motorcycle racing from a talented family your efforts kept that Dunlop name in the record books but most importantly your contributions to the sport is best remembered by your nature which far exceeded your podiums.

William Dunlop died 1700 July 7,2018 Skerries Dublin NI RIP.