Another pilgrimage

Joey Dunlop had bought the Railway Bar in Ballymoney train station some years ago. It was renamed 'Joey's Bar' and became a regular place for road race fans to visit from far and near. With its close proximity to the North West 200, the Mid Antrim and other popular race circuits, Joey's Bar was a favoured stop for many who wanted to celebrate with Joey after another list of race wins and to soak up the homely hospitality offered by Joey and his family

During the time it was taking to restore the Vespa we decided to take another trip to Ballymoney and enjoy some of that hospitality the Dunlops are famous for.
First stop was a visit to Joey's memorial in the garden that is now Joey and Roberts garden, Joey's younger brother Robert lost his life in the 250cc practice at the North West 200 in 2008

It was then time to call into Joey's for a few drinks and browse the many trophies and photographs on display. This photo is of Joey's wife Linda who was actually working hard cleaning the bar and dusting down the many trophies on display, which in fact is just a fraction of what Joey won during his racing career. Linda very kindly allowed me to pose behind the bar and with Joey's helmet and one of his TT trophies

Joey's RC45 perched high up over the bar