Ryan Farquhar Achievement Night. - Dungannon Swifts FC

The achievements of road-racer Ryan Farquhar have been marked at a special presentation night organised by Dungannon Swifts Football Club.

Farquhar, who recorded more than 300 wins in a career spanning two decades, was honoured at an event attended by 200 guests.

During the ceremony he was presented with a unique trophy made from beech wood in the shape of the Isle of Man, the scene of some of his best performances as a road racer.

Dungannon Swifts committee member Roy Stretton, who helped organise the night with community relations officer Joe McAree, said it was important to recognise Farquhar’s career.

“Joe McAree and myself were talking one night and we were discussing the fact that no-one had recognised Ryan Farquhar’s achievements,We decided the football club should do something for him, and it is great that Ryan’s contribution to local sport has been marked. I would personally like to thank everyone who helped make it such a successful night. ” Mr Stretton said.

Farquhar was led into the ceremony by local piper Scott McKay. BBC sports pundit Liam Beckett compered the event, which included a look-back at Farquhar’s illustrious career by motorsport photographer Stephen Davison.

Mr McAree said Farquhar had made a tremendous contribution to local sport and helped to put Dungannon on the map.

“The Ryan Farquhar Achievement Night was about recognising that contribution,” he said.

Farquhar is the most decorated rider in Irish road-racing history with 199 wins on Irish roads at international and national level. He has four Isle of Man TT wins to his name, the last of which came in the Supertwins class in June 2012. The hand-made plaque, made by Heraldic Craft in Dungannon, lists all of Farquhar’s 337 wins on all circuits.

“We wanted to present Ryan with something unique, and it is fitting to present a Dungannon gift to a great Dungannon sportsman and ambassador, Ryan is one of the biggest sports stars our town has produced and I am delighted that we are the first organisation to mark his achievements. I have to pay tribute to all the people at Dungannon Swifts, particularly Roy Stretton, who gave up their free time to make the night such a success. It shows how much people in Dungannon think of Ryan Farquhar.” added Mr McAree.