Skerries 100 road race ahead in tribute to the Irish racer of the tragic William Dunlop motorcycle

The Skerries 100 motorcycle race was held in tribute to the renowned racer William Dunlop, who died at a training race for the Dublin event on Saturday

. 32 years old, from Northern Ireland. the race track near Skerries with his younger brother Michael behind him

The father was the son of race legend Robert Dunlop, killed in North West 200 in 2008, and the nephew of Joey Dunlop who is died in Estonia in 2000.

Gardai stated that Sunday's race would go as planned after the Dunlop family and motorcycle club said it would be an appropriate tribute to the talented runner.

A statement from Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club said that the entire prize fund would go to William's family

Liam Beckett, a former Robert Dunlop's mechanic and close friend of the family, said he was "sorry" about the tragic death.

Members of the public laid flowers at the feet of Robert's bronze statue at Dunlop Memorial Garden in Ballymoney, Co. Antrim.

Racing fans described their devastation in tributes to the statue

"William you were a gentleman and we will never forget you," wrote a member of the public.

Tributes to the young runner invaded Ireland

Irish golfer Graeme McDowell said that it was a "tragic situation".

Speaking at Donegal's Irish Open Co, he said: "It's such a dangerous sport that they are in front of the camera and they know the dangers that lie ahead." [19659002] "My thoughts and prayers go to the family."

Rory McIlroy said, "I think it's unfortunate, what the family went through was horrible.

" The thoughts of everything the world are with His family.

Arlene Foster, Chief of the DUP, said she was "shocked and saddened" by the runner's death

"Motorcycling was his life and he will be remembered for it for his many achievements, Northern Ireland Road Race Champion, Ryan Farquhar, said on Twitter: "For us, road racers, it 's not really a sport, it' s not a sport," he says. is our life, a life that we choose.We love it and know the risks, many do not understand. "