Michael Dunlop has paid a tribute to his🔯 legendary uncle Joey after receiving an award for his Isle of Man TT exploitཧs.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons hosted a reception at Parliamꦐent Buildings in Belfast on Monday to credit Dunlop.

This year, Dunlop set a new r𓆏ecord for the most race wins in Isle of Man TT hiꦅstory.

His 29th victory was particularly emotional because♊ he edged the record previously set by Joey Dunlop, his uncle who died 24 years ago in a road racing accident.

The record had stood since 2000.

But Dunlop won four times♎ at this year’s TT, twice apiece on t🔜he Supersport and Supertwin machines.

He also set a new 135mph💜 laܫp record in the Superbike race.

as he received adulation: “In this job it’s hard to be recognised and it’s fantastic to be here.

“It’s because of the TT and that’s the long and short of🌼 it, and the TT 💙is just a fantastic event.

“When you look at it, Joey was 48 when he got his last three wins and I don’t know if I’ll ever get to that point, b🔯ut to get the record was the be all and end all because Joey was the biggest name ever in road racing to a degree and the greatest road racer of all time."

Dunlop is currently 35 years old.

He continued: “To be in the same boat as Joey and break that record left me as 🌳the best TT rider of all 🌃time and that was always the goal that I wanted to achieve.”

Minister Lyons said: “I am delighted to mark Michael’s incredible success at ꦯthe 2024 Isle of Man TT.

“The skill and courage of the racers as they reach speeds of over 220mph are rem🌠arkable and this year Michael also set a new lap record of 135mph during the Superbike race.

“I have no doubt that as Michael moves for⛎ward in his career, more success will follow.

“His passion and commitment make😼 him a great ambassador for th🍃e sport and an inspiration to new generations of road racers.”