Ireland has a long and proud history of motorcycle racing and has produced some of the world’s greatest racers. From the legendary Joey Dunlop to the current MotoGP stars such as Eugene Laverty and Michael Dunlop, Irish riders have consistently been at the top of the sport.
This article will take a look at some of the best motorcycle racers to come out of Ireland, highlighting their achievements on the roads and on the track.
1. Richard Britton
Richard Britton was a legendary figure in Irish motorcycle racing. He was both a successful racer and team manager, having achieved great success in the Regal 600 Championship, winning it four times. Britton was also the fastest Irishman to lap the famous Isle of Man TT circuit.
Sadly, he passed away during the Ballybunion road races, but his legacy lives on. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was posthumously awarded Irish Motorcyclist of the Year.
He will be remembered for his contribution to the sport and for inspiring future generations of Irish racers.
2. Henry Tyrell-Smith
Henry George Tyrell-Smith was an Irish motorcycle road racer and a man of many talents. Born in Co Dublin, he went on to study at Trinity College, Dublin where he attained a B.A. and B.A.I. degree.
His passion for motorcycling and racing led him to compete at the Isle of Man TT from 1927 to 1939. During this time, he also competed in the German Grand Prix from 1929 to 1936. Tyrell-Smith was an impressive and talented racer.
He had many successes throughout his racing career, including winning the Ulster Grand Prix in 1932 and 1934. He also achieved a number of podium finishes at the Isle of Man TT.
His passion and success in the sport earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of the racing community. Tyrell-Smith was an incredible athlete and a respected racer.
He was a pioneer of the sport of motorcycle road racing and a great ambassador for the sport in Ireland. He was a true inspiration to future generations of motorcyclists, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
3. Ernie Lyons
Ernest William Lyons was a passionate motorcycle racer from Ireland. He was determined to make a name for himself in the world of motorsports, so he participated in selected Grands Prix.
To give himself an edge, Lyons teamed up with fellow Triumph factory employee, Fred Clarke, to modify Triumph Tiger 100s for some races. Through their hard work, Lyons went on to win the 1946 Manx Grand Prix.
This victory was especially meaningful for Lyons, as it proved that his modifications to the Triumph Tiger 100s had paid off.
His win was a testament to the skill and ingenuity of both Lyons and Clarke, and it marked a new era for Triumph motorcycles in the world of motorsports.
4. Joey Dunlop
William Joseph Dunlop OBE was a renowned motorcyclist from Northern Ireland who made his mark on the world stage with his incredible performances at the Isle of Man TT.
Born in Ballymoney, County Antrim, Dunlop had been passionate about motorcycling since his teenage years and he was eventually able to turn his passion into a successful career. Dunlop quickly became renowned as one of the greatest motorcyclists in the world, thanks to his impressive performances at the Isle of Man TT.
He won several races at the event, including the Senior TT and the 500cc Ultra-Lightweight TT, as well as setting the fastest lap in 1989.
His impressive career earned him an OBE in 1985. Dunlop’s achievements were recognized in a major way in 2015 when he was voted Northern Ireland’s greatest-ever sports star.
The vote was part of a celebration of the region’s greatest athletes, and Dunlop was chosen as the one who had made the greatest impact in the sport. This recognition of Dunlop’s accomplishments serves as a reminder of his legacy as one of the greatest motorcyclists of all time.
His achievements at the Isle of Man TT will live on in the annals of motorcycling history, and he will always be remembered as a true legend.
5. Keith Farmer
Keith Farmer was an exceptionally talented motorcycle racer from Northern Ireland. He was a four-time national champion, making him one of the most successful motorcyclists in the country. Sadly, Farmer had to retire in 2021 due to injuries he sustained in accidents.
Tragically, he passed away suddenly on 10 November 2022 at the age of 35. Farmer was an inspirational figure for motorcyclists in Northern Ireland and beyond. He achieved great success during his career, winning four national championships and becoming a household name.
He was a respected and admired racer, renowned for his skill and dedication to the sport. The sudden passing of Farmer in 2022 was a great shock to the motorcycling community. He had been forced to retire just a year earlier, but his death still came as a surprise.
His death was a great loss to the sport, and he will be remembered for his impressive achievements and the legacy he left behind.
6. Tom Herron
Tom Herron was an accomplished motorcycle road racer from Lisburn, County Antrim in Northern Ireland. He was well known for his skill on street circuits such as the Isle of Man TT and the North West 200.
Herron’s success on these circuits was due to his expertise in navigating the tight, winding roads and his ability to stay calm under pressure. Herron had a successful racing career, winning several races at the Isle of Man TT and the North West 200.
He also won several other races throughout Europe, including the Nations Cup and the Ulster Grand Prix.
Herron was also a regular at the British Superbike Championship, where he achieved several podium finishes. Herron was a highly respected rider among his peers, as well as being a popular figure among fans.
He was known for his friendly and outgoing personality, which endeared him to many.
Herron was also known for his generous spirit, often donating his winnings to various charities. Sadly, Herron’s life was cut short in 2008 when he was killed in an accident on the Isle of Man TT course.
He was posthumously awarded the Sexton Trophy, a prestigious award given to Northern Ireland’s best motorcycle racer of the year. Herron’s legacy lives on in the hearts of many, both in his native Northern Ireland and across the world.
7. Neil Robinson
Neil Robinson was a young, successful motorcycle circuit and road racer from Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. He was passionate about motor racing and dedicated his life to it.
Unfortunately, his life was cut short at the age of 24 during a practice session at Oliver’s Mount racing circuit in Scarborough. Neil was known for his impressive skills on the track and was highly respected by other racers.
His death was a great shock to the racing community, which had been looking forward to seeing what more he could achieve in the years to come. Neil Robinson was an inspiration to many, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his friends, family, and fellow racers.
He was an example of someone who had the courage to pursue his dreams and follow his passion despite the risks associated with motor racing. His death was a reminder to us all to strive for our goals and never take life for granted.
8. Dick Creith
Dick Creith was a legendary figure in the world of motorcycle road racing. He hailed from Bushmills, Northern Ireland and competed in two Grand Prix races during his career: the 1964 and 1965 500cc Ulster Grand Prix.
He was victorious in the 1965 500cc Ulster Grand Prix, cementing his place in the annals of motorcycling history. In addition to his Grand Prix success, Creith was also a two-time winner of the North West 200 race, a prestigious event in Northern Ireland.
His success on the track and his prowess as a rider paved the way for other riders from his home country to achieve greatness in the sport.
Dick Creith will always be remembered as a pioneering figure in the world of motorcycle road racing and his legacy will live on for years to come.
9. Brian Steenson
Robert William Brian Steenson was a well-known Grand Prix motorcycle road racer in the late 1960s. He made a name for himself in 1968 when he finished the season in ninth place in the 350cc world championship, an impressive feat for a rookie.
Steenson continued to ride competitively in 1969 and was able to secure a second-place finish in the Isle of Man Junior TT, narrowly losing out to the legendary Giacomo Agostini.
This result was a testament to Steenson’s skill and showed that he was a force to be reckoned with in the racing world.
Steenson may not have won the championship that year, but he had made an indelible mark on the sport and was respected by both his fellow riders and fans alike.
10. Rex McCandless
Rex McCandless was an impressive figure in the world of motorcycling. Born in Hillsborough, County Down, he was a successful motorcycle racer prior to the outbreak of World War II. During the war, McCandless worked in the aviation industry, designing and constructing aircraft.
He was a pioneer in the field, and his work was highly respected.McCandless was a multi-talented individual who excelled in many areas. Not only was he an accomplished racer, but he also had a knack for designing and constructing motorcycles, as well as aircraft.
His contributions to the world of motorcycling and aviation were immense, and he was highly respected in both communities.McCandless’s work was especially important in Northern Ireland, where he was a major influence in the development of motorcycling.
He was a driving force behind the growth of motorcycling in the region, and his designs and construction techniques were widely adopted.McCandless’s legacy is still felt today. He was a pioneer in the motorcycling world, and his work has had a lasting impact on the industry.
His designs and construction techniques are still used today, and his name is still respected in the motorcycling community. McCandless was a true innovator, and his work will be remembered for generations to come.
11. Jeremy McWilliams
Jeremy McWilliams is a highly accomplished motorcycle road racer from Northern Ireland. He has had a successful racing career, which included competing in mainstream racing events up until the 2014 season.
Unfortunately, due to the fact that he was over the age of 50, McWilliams became ineligible for mainstream racing after the 2014 season.
Despite this, McWilliams has continued to ride in certain fringe events that are not controlled by the FIM, or Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme. These fringe events are still competitive, although they do not have the same recognition as mainstream events.
Despite being unable to compete in mainstream racing anymore, McWilliams is still an active and accomplished motorbike racer.
12. Robert Dunlop
Stephen Robert Dunlop was a legendary Northern Irish motorcycle racer and the younger brother of the famous road racer Joey Dunlop. Robert and Joey shared a passion for racing and made a name for themselves in the sport.
Sadly, Robert passed away after a crash, just like his brother Joey. Robert was also the father of two sons – William Dunlop and Michael Dunlop. William Dunlop, Robert’s eldest son, was also a passionate motorcycle racer.
He had many successes in the sport, much like his father and uncle. Unfortunately, William died in a crash during practice at the Skerries 100 in Dublin on 7 July 2018. This was a devastating blow for the Dunlop family and a reminder of the danger of the sport they love.
Despite the risks, they continue to race, in honour of their beloved Robert and William.
13. Paul Jordan
Paul Jordan is a professional motorcycle racer from Northern Ireland. He has been competing in Grand Prix motorcycle racing since 2011.
He is currently active in International Road Races, where he rides a Yamaha R6 and a Suzuki 1000 Superbike. Paul Jordan started his motorcycle racing career in 2011, taking part in the British Supersport Championship.
During his time in this series, he achieved several podiums and was named the Rookie of the Year in 2012.
After his success in the British Supersport Championship, Paul Jordan moved to compete in Grand Prix motorcycle racing in 2014. Since then, Paul Jordan has been consistently competing in the Moto2 World Championship and the FIM CEV Repsol.
He has enjoyed success in both competitions, with several podiums and impressive performances. In 2020, Paul Jordan made the move to International Road Races, such as the Isle of Man TT and North West 200.
In these races, he competes aboard his Yamaha R6 and Suzuki 1000 Superbike.
Paul Jordan has already achieved success in these races, with two podiums in the 2020 Isle of Man TT and a top-five finish at the 2020 North West 200. Paul Jordan is a talented rider who is determined to achieve success in the world of professional motorcycle racing.
His move to international road races is a sign of his commitment and dedication to the sport, and he is sure to be one of the top riders in the future.
14. William Dunlop
William Dunlop was a renowned professional motorcycle racer from Northern Ireland. He was part of a successful racing dynasty, as he was the elder brother of Michael Dunlop and the son of the late Robert Dunlop.
His uncle was the late Joey Dunlop, who was also a successful motorcycle racer. Unfortunately, William’s life was tragically cut short when he passed away in 2018 due to a racing incident. This was a devastating blow to the Dunlop family, who had already lost Robert and Joey.
William’s death was a reminder of how dangerous and unpredictable motorsport can be. He will be remembered as a brave and talented rider, and his legacy will live on in the many riders who continue to be inspired by his achievements.
15. Norman Brown
Norman Brown Jr. was a remarkable individual who had a passion for motorcycle road racing. Born in Northern Ireland, he grew up in a small rural town and developed a love for motorcycles from a young age.
He was determined to make a career out of his passion and trained hard to become a professional motorcycle road racer. Throughout his career, he achieved numerous victories on the racing circuit and earned a great deal of respect in the motorcycle racing world.
His skill and dedication made him one of the most successful Irish road racers of his time. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who followed his career and the many who continue to admire his achievements.
16. Alastair Seeley
Alastair Seeley is an accomplished motorcycle road racer who competes in the Superstock 1000 class for Northern Ireland-based Synetiq BMW. In 2021, he had an impressive showing at the Ulster Superbike and Supersport Championships, where he was victorious in both events.
His success in the championships was a sign of things to come, as by the end of the North West 200 racing on 13 May 2023, Seeley had won an incredible 29 road races in the series, making him one of the most successful motorcycle racers in Northern Ireland.
Seeley’s success is a testament to his dedication and hard work, and his 29 road race wins are a testament to his skill and determination. His achievements will undoubtedly inspire other racers, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
17. Ralph Bryans
Ralph Bryans was a legendary motorcycle road racer from Northern Ireland. He was the country’s first and only Grand Prix World Champion, winning the 50 cc title in 1965.
Bryans was an inspirational figure for many of his fellow Irish racers, setting an example of excellence and success to follow. Bryans began racing motorcycles in his teens, and his skill quickly became apparent.
He competed in a variety of racing events throughout his career, but it was in the Grand Prix tournaments that he truly excelled.
His victory in the 50 cc Grand Prix World Championship in 1965 was a landmark moment for Irish racing, and he was celebrated throughout the country. Throughout his racing career, Bryans was known for his daring and fearless attitude.
He pushed the limits of his machines, often taking risks that other riders would not.
He was known to take on some of the most difficult tracks in the world, and his skill and courage earned him the respect of his peers. After his retirement from racing, Ralph Bryans continued to be an inspiration to his fellow riders and to racing fans in Ireland.
His legacy remains to this day, and his record of success is a testament to his dedication and skill. He will always be remembered as Ireland’s first and only Grand Prix World Champion.
18. Manliff Barrington
Manliffe Barrington was an Irish professional motorcycle racer who made a name for himself in the racing world. He was a two-time winner at the Isle of Man TT races, one of the most prestigious motorcycle races in the world.
Barrington was born in Ireland and began riding motorcycles at a young age. He quickly developed a passion for racing and competed in races throughout Europe.
His success at the Isle of Man TT races in the early 2000s cemented his reputation as a top-tier racer and earned him the respect of both fans and fellow competitors.
Barrington’s success was not limited to the Isle of Man TT races; he also won races in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other countries. He was a well-respected racer and was often called upon to provide advice and guidance to younger riders.
Unfortunately, Barrington lost his life in a tragic accident in 2009, but his legacy lives on in the racing world.
19. Alec Bennett
Alec Bennett was a renowned Irish-Canadian motorcycle racer. He was well known for his impressive Grand Prix wins as well as his five career wins at the Isle of Man TT races. This prestigious event is a grueling race that is considered the most dangerous in the world.
Bennett was able to overcome the odds and take home five wins. His talent and determination made him a well-respected figure in the motorcycle racing world. He was an inspiration to many aspiring racers and a reminder that hard work and passion can help anyone achieve greatness.
His legacy continues to live on in the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere.
20. Fay Taylour
Fay Taylour was an Irish motorcyclist of great renown during the late 1920s, earning her the nickname of “Flying Fay”. She was a champion speedway rider, and in 1931 she made the switch to racing cars.
Unfortunately, her career was interrupted during the Second World War, when she was interned as a fascist. This meant that she was held in a camp, away from public life and unable to pursue her racing career.
The war was a difficult time for Fay, but her legacy still lives on today in the world of motor racing. She was an inspiring figure who was ahead of her time and who paved the way for female racers in the decades to come.
21. Martin Finnegan
Martin Finnegan was an Irish motorcycle racer who made a huge impact in the world of motorsport. Born in Dublin, Ireland in 1984, Martin began his career at a young age, racing in the Formula Ford championship.
He quickly established himself as a rising star in the sport, and by the age of 20 had already won the Irish Formula Ford championship twice. In 2006, Martin made the switch to motorcycling and joined the Moto GP World Championship.
He won his first race in the series that same year and went on to become a consistent podium finisher in the championship. He also became the first Irishman to win a Moto GP race in the modern era.
Martin’s career was tragically cut short in 2008 when he was killed in a racing accident at the Brands Hatch circuit in England. His death sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, and his legacy lives on today.
He is remembered for his courage and determination on the track, and for his ability to make friends with everybody he met. Martin Finnegan was a true champion and will be remembered as one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time.
22. Stanley Woods
Stanley Woods was an Irish motorcycle racer who achieved great success in the 1920s and 1930s. His career was marked by 29 Grand Prix wins, making him one of the most successful motorcycle racers of his era.
His most impressive achievements were his ten wins at the prestigious Isle of Man TT race, as well as wins at Assen and other events. Woods was also a highly skilled trials rider and continued to compete in the 1940s.
His success in both racing and trials made him a highly respected figure in the motorcycle racing community. Although Woods has since been largely forgotten, his accomplishments remain a testament to his skill and talent as a rider.
23. Phillip McCallen
Phillip McCallen is a former motorcycle racer who was born in Northern Ireland. After a successful career on the track, he has recently retired from road racing and has become a motorcycle dealer.
McCallen has made a name for himself over the years, competing in numerous races and championships across Europe. He has been a mainstay in the world of motorcycle racing, with a long history of success.
McCallen has been involved in the sport since the 1980s and has been a dominant force in the world of motorcycle racing. He has won several championships including the British Superbike Championship, the Irish Superbike Championship, and the World Superbike Championship.
He has also taken part in several international events, such as the Macau Grand Prix and the Isle of Man TT. In his retirement from road racing, McCallen has become a motorcycle dealer.
He has opened a dealership in Northern Ireland, offering a wide selection of both new and used motorcycles. He also offers servicing and repairs, as well as advice and guidance on the various makes and models of bikes he stocks.
Phillip McCallen is a true legend in the world of motorcycling and his retirement from racing has done nothing to diminish his reputation.
He has transitioned from a successful and respected racer to a respected and successful motorcycle dealer, proving that retirement doesn’t necessarily mean the end of a career in the sport.
24. Eddie Laycock
Eddie Laycock is a remarkable figure in the world of motorcycle racing. He is a former professional motorcycle racer from Dublin, Ireland, who has achieved a great deal of success in the sport.
Laycock began his career in the late 1980s, and within a few years, he had already won numerous championships in both the Irish and European championships. He is known for his fearless riding style and impressive race results.
He has won several National titles and has been crowned Irish National Champion for a total of twelve times. Laycock is also renowned for his commitment to safety in the sport.
He was one of the first to introduce the use of protective gear such as helmets and leather and was also an early advocate for the use of airbags for riders.
He is a strong believer in the importance of proper training and preparation for riders, and he has been an active mentor to many of the younger racers in the sport. Eddie Laycock’s legacy will live on in the world of motorcycle racing.
He is an inspiration to many current and aspiring racers and his accomplishments in the sport will continue to be remembered for years to come.
Conclusion
Ireland boasts some of the best motorcycle racers in the world. From Eoin Murray to Conor Cummins, these riders have proven their worth on the world stage and are sure to continue to be a force in the motorcycle industry.
With their determination, passion, and drive, they are sure to continue to be at the top of the sport for years to come.
