A host of stellar names have been confirmed for the Adelaide Irish Motorbike Awards in Belfast next month, when Michael Dunlop and Glenn Irwin are expected to be the main contenders for the prestigious Joey Dunlop trophy.
British Superbike rider Irwin won the accolade for the second consecutive year back in January after finishing as the runner-up in the 2023 championship by only half-a-point to his then PBM Ducati team-mate Tommy Bridewell.
The 34-year-old became the most successful Superbike rider in history at the North West 200 in May, when Irwin clinched a hat-trick to extend his unbeaten run to 11 wins in the class, overtaking the previous best of nine victories held jointly by Joey Dunlop and Michael Rutter.
Irwin finished third in the British Superbike Championship this year, winning eight races as the sole rider for the Hager PBM Ducati team, and announced his decision to retire from road racing recently.
Ballymoney man Dunlop also made history in 2024, winning four races at the Isle of Man TT to break his legendary uncle Joey’s longstanding record of 26 wins, setting a new benchmark of 29 victories around the Mountain Course.
Dunlop also established a new lap record for the Superbike TT at 135.970mph – his fastest ever TT lap.
Motorcycling’s biggest prize night will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast on Friday, January 17, when Irwin is among the confirmed special guests along with six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea and former championship runner-up Eugene Laverty.
Irwin said: “Lifting the trophy again last season was one of the proudest moments of my career.
“Joey Dunlop was a huge hero to us all. To win his trophy again was very emotional. Every young rider aspires to be like Joey growing up and to have this trophy named after him take pride of place in my home for the last year has been a real privilege.”
Yamaha World Superbike rider Rea has won the main award a record nine times and is an avid supporter of the glittering event.
“This is a really special night for the sport with all disciplines under one roof celebrating with the fans,” he said.
“I was so honoured to win the Adelaide Irish Motorcyclist of the year seven times in a row and also amazed that I was able to surpass the record held by the legendary Joey Dunlop.”
Other riders set to attend in January are Lee Johnston, Alastair Seeley, Phillip McCallen, Jeremy McWilliams, Andrew Irwin and David Allingham with more to be announced.