‘Joey 25’ celebration wins ‘Motorcycle Event of the Year’ at the Irish Motorbike Awards 2025

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is delighted to announce that the ‘Joey 25’ celebration has won ‘Motorcycle Event of the Year’ at the prestigious Irish Motorbike Awards 2025.

The glittering awards ceremony, which took place on Friday 16th January in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast, was attended by the biggest names in local motorsport.

‘Joey 25’ was held in Ballymoney on Saturday 24th May, marking 25 years since road racing legend Joey Dunlop’s accident in Estonia. The event was hosted by the Council in partnership with Joey`s wife Linda and children.

Thousands of fans from all around the world turned out to celebrate the ‘quiet man’ of racing. The fantastic programme of events included a museum display featuring items from the Dunlop family collection, and some of Joeys iconic bikes kindly donated by local racing fans. The day culminated in a special parade lap featuring 25 of Joey’s bikes ridden by some of the world’s top motorcycle racers.

Congratulating the team, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan said: “I am delighted that the ‘Joey 25’ event has been crowned winner of the ‘Motorcycle Event of the Year’.

“As a Council, we felt it was important to mark this poignant milestone anniversary, and the day truly was a celebration of Joey’s life and achievements.

“This recognition highlights the hard work that was put in behind the scenes by the dedicated team of motorsport enthusiasts and Council officers to organise this large scale event. The Council very much appreciates the work and support of the Dunlop family in both providing brilliant memorabilia for the museum exhibition and in helping to organise the event itself. I offer my sincere congratulations to you all.”

Expressing his delight at the win, Stephen McMaw, Event Lead Organiser added: “On behalf of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, I am thrilled that we have won this prestigious award for such a poignant event.

“Firstly, congratulations to all the other contenders who were nominated.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in supporting and organising ‘Joey 25’. The support of the Councillors and the work put in by Council Staff was fantastic. A special mention to the organising team who voluntarily gave up their time and brought such expertise to the event. A massive thanks to those who prepared and supplied Joey Dunlop race bikes and to the riders who rode them so carefully and respectively through the streets of Ballymoney. The support of the MCUI and PSNI was critical along with other statutory partners. Thanks also to all the fans who turned out to watch the event in less than pleasant weather.

“Finally, thank you to Linda and the Dunlop family for making the event so special. The award is about Joey and his loving family and remembering the life of a world- renowned motorcycle legend and role model for us all.”

Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the Irish Motorbike Awards team for recognising the ‘Joey 25’ event and how important the celebration was for fans all around the world.