Politicians and motorcycle-racing enthusiasts have expressed shock and sadness at the death of the Northern Ireland racing legend Joey Dunlop, who was killed in a race in Tallinn, Estonia, yesterday.
On hearing the news, dozens of people streamed to the Co Antrim town of Ballymoney, where Mr Dunlop owned a bar, to leave tributes to the five-times Formula One champion. A book of condolence will be opened in the town hall today.
The North's First and Deputy First Ministers, Mr David Trimble and Mr Seamus Mallon, described Mr Dunlop as a "true man of the people" and a "wonderful ambassador for Northern Ireland" and said they were "deeply saddened" by his death.
"Everyone in Northern Ireland, not just fans of motorsport, has followed Joey's glittering career with tremendous pride and satisfaction. In particular, his recent string of successes in the Isle of Man TT gave us all something to be proud of . . . It will be hard to find his like again."
The leisure minister, Mr Michael McGimpsey, who knew Mr Dunlop, said he found it hard to take in the news. "I'm shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely death of this great Ulsterman, who I was talking to only two weeks ago. I do not have full details of the circumstances but my thoughts are with his wife, Linda, and his family, and my prayers go out to them."
The Ulster Unionist MLAs for north Antrim, the Rev Robert Coulter and Mr James Leslie, in a joint statement expressed their "deep shock" at learning of Mr Dunlop's death.
"The success of this great legend both on and off the racing circuit was a testimony to his unending commitment to the sport - a fact that was duly recognised by the people of Ballymoney, who awarded him the freedom of the borough five years ago and honoured him with a civic reception last month following his historic achievement in winning 26 Isle of Man TT races.
"Joey was very proud of his Ballymoney roots and was never ashamed or embarrassed to promote motorbike racing and Northern Ireland. He was a wonderful ambassador and will be sorely missed."
The DUP's MLA for north Antrim, Mr Ian Paisley jnr, said Mr Dunlop's death was "a bitter and sad loss".
The motorcycle broadcaster and writer, Harold Crooks, who knew Mr Dunlop for 30 years, described him as "possibly the world's greatest motorbike rider of all time", adding: "He was also a terrific ambassador for Northern Ireland and one of the greatest gentlemen you could meet. He was so quiet and unassuming about his fame, it was almost unreal."
Expressing his shock at Mr Dunlop's death and his sympathy for the Dunlop family, the Minister for Tourism and Sport, Dr Jim McDaid, described the motor cyclist as "a very brave man who loved his sport".