Ballymoney’s William Dunlop will be posthumously inducted into the Irish motorcycling Hall of Fame at the Cornmarket Motorbike Awards in Belfast.

The popular rider will follow in the footsteps of his late father and uncle, Robert and Joey, who previously were added to the prestigious role of honour.

Dunlop was tragically killed as a result of a crash during practice at the Skerries 100 in July 2018, plunging the sport into mourning. His partner Janine, along with his mother Louise, will accept the accolade at the Crowne Plaza Hotel next Friday.

“We are still in complete shock after the tragic incident last summer, but any award the Dunlop family has ever received has been very special,” said Louise.

“It’s just lovely to know the Dunlop name is still a force to be reckoned with, but it will be an emotional evening.

“We have been overwhelmed with the amount of love and kindness we have received. It truly has been remarkable. William was loved by everyone, and we are so proud of his achievements, as we are of all my boys.”