Ballymoney says farewell to Robert Dunlop

ULSTER RACING legend Robert Dunlop was described as both a "hero" and an " inspiration" at his funeral, which took place yesterday.

Thousands of mourners turned out to say farwell to one of the province's most successful sportsmen, was laid to rest at Garryduff Presbyterian Church, on the outskirts of Ballymoney.

Friends and family filed into the rural church while thousands of fans assembled outside to listen to the service via loudspeakers.

Rev John Gilkinson thanked those who had travelled to the town to pay their respects adding that their support had given great comfort to the Dunlop family.

First Minister Ian Paisley described the occasion as "a sad day" adding that he was there to witness the burial of a friend.

He said: "My sympathies go out to the family, everybody has been touched by this. He had a way of stealing into your heart. You couldn't have forgotten him and what we are saying today is we won't forget him."

Robert's coffin was carried through the gates by his four sisters and then sons Michael, William and Daniel. He was buried beside his brother Joey who was killed in a motorcycle accident in Estonia in 2000.