Glenn Irwin was presented with the coveted Joey Dunlop trophy for the first time at the Irish Motorbike Awards in Belfast on Friday night after getting the verdict over Jonathan Rea.

Irwin finished as the runner-up in BSB in 2022 and claimed another two Superbike victories at the North West 200, extending his unbeaten run in the blue riband class to six wins in a row. He also became the fastest newcomer ever at the Isle of Man TT, lapping at 129.849mph.

This year, the 32-year-old will ride for Paul Bird’s Ducati team after deciding against continuing with Honda Racing UK for a third consecutive season.

“But to win it in an era when Jonathan is still competing is really special for me.”

On his hopes for 2023, he said: “My number one thing is to win the British Superbike Championship and it’s all I want to do – it’s my number one goal and I’m working hard towards it.

“But I can’t look past the North West and I don’t know if there will be three (Superbike) races or not this year, but if there is and I win them all, I’d be tied with Joey Dunlop for the most Superbike wins ever.”

Irwin also won the award for Short Circuit Rider of the Year on UK Circuits.

British Supersport Champion Jack Kennedy picked up the Outstanding Achievement Award…

“Very happy to win “Outstanding Achievement Award” at the Irish Motorbike Awards Mar-Train Racing great night with great people. Congratulations to everyone on their awards, especially Glenn Irwin for winning Irish Motorcyclist of the Year Award, well deserved. Very nice to see the Farmer family there and for Keith to be given a Special Recognition Award. So hard to watch footage of him racing, smiling and enjoying life.”

British Superstock Champion Davey Todd was crowned King of the Roads.

The Greenlight TV promoted series, had rounds last year at Cookstown, the North West 200, Southern 100, Armoy and Macau Grand Prix.

Aforementioned series Champion Todd, latest prominent roads scene achievement, saw him finish 16 points clear of top challenger, Cookstown Grand Final winner, Irish Road Race Superbike Champion Michael Sweeney.