Dunlop named as Irish Motorcyclist of the Year

Michael Dunlop has collected the Joey Dunlop Trophy after being named Irish Motorcyclist of the Year for the second time.

The 35-year-old picked up the prize at the annual gala awards ceremony in Belfast after enjoying a record-breaking year which saw him become the most successful rider in the history of the Isle of Man TT.

Dunlop took his tally of race wins to 29 by securing the fourth four-timer of his career at the event in 2024, thereby surpassing the previous benchmark of 26 victories attained by his revered late uncle Joey.

The Ballymoney man previously secured the Irish Motorcyclist of the Year accolade in January 2015 after clinching his second consecutive four-timer at the TT the previous year.

Dunlop's achievements were also recognised in his receiving the International Road Racer of the Year award.

Top performers recognised

Dubliner Jack Kennedy was the Short Circuit Rider of the Year on UK circuits in recognition of his fifth British Supersport title success, including 10 race wins.

Ulster Superbike champion Jonny Campbell won the equivalent award for Irish short circuits.

The North West 200 was selected as the Event of the Year and TAS Racing received the Team of the Year prize in light of their triumphs at the Isle of Man TT and North West 200, as well as winning the National Superstock 1000cc title with Davey Todd.

Scott Swann was the recipient of the BSB Breakthrough Award after finishing third in the British Superstock Championship, winning five races in the process.

Meanwhile his father Michael, a multiple Irish champion, was the latest inductee into the Hall of Fame.

Glenn Irwin won the Race of the Year for his thrilling Superbike race three win at the North West 200 as he extended his record-breaking run of victories in the premier class at the event to 11.

Davey Todd picked up the King of the Roads title, while Phil Marron, crew chief to World Superbike seris winner Toprak Razgaltlioglu, took away a Special Recognition Award.

Sophie Ferguson was the Young Rider of the Year, Jay McCrum the Off Road Rider of the Year and Nicole Lynch the winner of the inaugural Female Trailblazer of the Year prize.