Michael Dunlop set to be honoured with homecoming parade in Ballymoney after setting new record of 29 Isle of Man TT wins

Dunlop became the most successful rider ever at the iconic event, surpassing his legendary uncle Joey’s record of 26 wins to set a new benchmark of 29 victories.

The 35-year-old won both Supersport and Supertwin races on his MD Racing machines for a second consecutive TT four-timer.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has backed a motion submitted by DUP Alderman John McAuley for a homecoming parade and reception for Dunlop in the Co Antrim town to celebrate his ‘historic achievements at the 2024 Isle of Man TT’.

Michael Dunlop become the most successful rider in history at the Isle of Man TT in June with 29 victories

It has also been proposed that council members consider naming a street in Ballymoney after him or one of the council buildings in the town to ‘create a lasting tribute to this remarkable local sportsman’.

The leisure centre in Ballymoney is named after Joey Dunlop in recognition of his achievements in the sport.

One of Northern Ireland’s most revered sportsmen, Joey won the TT Formula 1 World Championship five times and claimed 26 wins at the TT among countless other victories at major events including the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix.

He tragically lost his life in a racing accident at Tallinn in Estonia in 2000, weeks after winning his final three TT races.

In January 2014, Michael followed in the footsteps of his father Robert and Joey when he received the Freedom of Ballymoney in recognition of his racing exploits the previous year, when he won four races at the TT in the Superbike, Supersport (x2) and Superstock races, and secured victories at the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix.

At the time, Dunlop told the News Letter it was a ‘massive honour’.

“I never thought I’d be following in the footsteps of my dad and Joey because of what they achieved in the sport,” Dunlop said.

“This probably means more to me than my TT wins and I want to thank my family, friends and sponsors because if it wasn’t for them then I wouldn’t be where I am today.

“It’s a pity my dad wasn’t here because he helped me all the way at the start.”

The motion for a homecoming parade for Dunlop was endorsed at a full council meeting on Thursday night.

DUP Councillor Bill Kennedy, whose brother Frank lost his life following an accident at the North West 200 in 1979, said: “Michael’s uncle Joey was a five-time world champion and won a record number of 26 Isle of Man TTs, which is no mean feat itself.

“Many great riders tried for years to win the TT and weren’t able to do it, so to win 26 was a record that they thought would never be broken.

“However, Michael broke it this year and now has 29 TT wins and counting. He is, in my opinion, one of the most talented road racers to come out of Ireland.”