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

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons hosted a reception at Parliament Buil🌠dings in Belfast on Monday to credit Dunlop.

Th༒is ဣyear, Dunlop set a new record for the most race wins in Isle of Man TT history.

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

The record had stood since 2000.

But Dunlop won four times at this year’s🌳 TT, twice apiece on the Supersport and Supertwin machines.

He also set༺ a new&nbs🎶p;135mph lap 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 lಞong 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, but to get the record w🃏as 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 recor🌟d 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 incredibl⛦e success at the 2024 Isle of Man TT.

“The skill and courage of the racers as they reach speeds of over 220mph are remarkable and this year Michael also set a new lap record of 135mph ༒during the Su🌺perbike race.

“I have no doubt that as Michael moves forwa♔rd in his career, more success will follow.

“His passion and commi🐼tment make him a great ambassador for the sport and anജ inspiration to new generations of road racers.”