Michael Dunlop has paid a tribute to his legendary unc☂le Joey after receiving an🐎 award for his Isle of Man TT exploits.

Communities Min🅺ister Gordon Lyons hosted a reception at Parliament Buildings in Belfast on Monday to credit Dunlop.

This year, Dunlop set a new record for the most race wins in I♌sle 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 ago in a road 🐲racing accident.

The record had stood since 2000.

But Dunlo⭕p won four times at this year’s TT, ꦜtwice apiece on the Supersport and Supertwin machines.

He also set a new 135mph lap record in the Supꦅerbike 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 an♍d 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’l꧑l ever get to that point, but 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 mꦛe 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 M𒅌ichael’s incredible success at the 2024 Is꧙le of Man TT.

“The skill and courage of the racers as they reach speeds of over 220mph a🍒re remarkable and this 🅘year Michael also set a new lap record of 135mph during the Superbike race.

“I have no doubt🌳 that as Michael moves forward in his career, more success will follow.

“His pa൩ssion and commitment make himಌ a great ambassador for the sport and an inspiration to new generations of road racers.”