Ballymoney Museum Opens Joey 25 Exhibition

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Museums Services has officially opened the Joey 25 Exhibition, a tribute to motorcycling legend Joey Dunlop, at Ballymoney Museum.

The free exhibition, opening to the public from Tuesday 6th May 2025, commemorates 25 years since the passing of one of Northern Ireland’s greatest sporting icons and forms part of the Joey 25 celebration taking place in his hometown this May.

Joey Dunlop, born in Ballymoney in 1952, was revered as the “King of the Roads.” His extraordinary career included 26 Isle of Man TT wins, five Formula One World Championships, 13 North West 200 victories, and 24 Ulster Grand Prix triumphs.

In addition to his racing achievements, Joey was honoured with an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 1996 for his humanitarian work with children in Eastern Europe. The Joey 25 Exhibition celebrates his enduring legacy as both a local hero and a global ambassador for motorcycling.

The exhibition showcases a unique collection of artifacts and memorabilia, many of which are on loan from the Dunlop family archives, with others loaned specifically for this display.

Highlights include rare photographs, racing leathers, trophies, and personal items chronicling Joey’s remarkable journey. Notable among the exhibits are the racing leathers he wore during the 1981 Isle of Man TT, where riders wore black in protest, and the gloves Joey wore when he lost the tip of his left-hand ring finger in a crash during the 1998 Tandragee 100 race meeting.

Visitors can explore restored and original racing bikes, alongside interactive displays and video tributes capturing his courage, humility, and passion for the sport.

The official launch was attended by Joey’s wife, Linda Dunlop, and members of the Dunlop family, who joined Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, to open the exhibition. It will run daily, Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, starting Tuesday 6th May and continuing until Saturday 30th August 2025 (excluding bank holidays).

“We are deeply honoured to host this exhibition in Joey’s hometown,” said Councillor Ciarán McQuillan.

“Joey Dunlop was not just a sporting legend but a beloved figure who put Ballymoney on the world stage. This exhibition is a heartfelt tribute to his achievements and the profound impact he continues to have on our community and beyond.”

The Joey 25 Exhibition is part of a series of events commemorating the 25th anniversary of Joey’s passing. Jamie Austin, the Council’s Museum Officer, expressed gratitude: “Thank you to Linda and the Dunlop family for sharing their cherished items with us for this iconic exhibition.

“I would also like to thank William McComb and Ian Waddell who have loaned bikes that Joey rode for the exhibition, in addition to Clifford Stewart who has also kindly loaned bikes to the museum which will be showcased as part of a display on the history of motorbike racing.

“The Museums team is very much looking forward to showing members of the public this exhibition and the legacy that Joey has left for us all.”

On May 24, 2025, the Joey 25 Celebration will feature over 25 motorcycling legends, including World Superbike Champions Carl Fogarty and Jonathan Rea, riding Joey’s iconic bikes in a closed-road parade through Ballymoney’s town centre.

“Joey’s memory lives on through the love and support of his fans and our community,” said Linda Dunlop.

“This Joey 25 exhibition is a beautiful way to honour his life, and we’re grateful to Ballymoney Museum staff and the Council for making it happen.”