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Funeral of Antrim motorcyclist

Funeral - Mourners pay respects to the late Robert Dunlop
Funeral - Mourners pay respects to the late Robert Dunlop

The funeral of former champion motorcyclist, Robert Dunlop, has taken place in Co Antrim.

Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy Minister Martin McGuinness were among the mourners who turned out to pay their last respects.

Mr Dunlop was killed in a crash during a competition practice session in Northern Ireland three days ago.

The joint chaplain to the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland, Rev John Kirkpatrick, delivered a tribute at the funeral service at Garryduff Presbyterian Church.

The Co Antrim rider was buried alongside his brother, Joey Dunlop, who was killed in a similar accident in Estonia in 2000.

The funeral comes a day after Robert Dunlop's son, Michael, scored a poignant victory at the North West 200, the competition for which Robert was preparing when he was killed.

Organisers of the Kennedy International North West 200, the Coleraine and District Motor Club, decided to proceed with the competition, after consulting the Dunlop family.