O’Carroll family thank motorsport community for support

O’Carroll family thank motorsport community for support

The family of injured road racer Anthony O’Carroll have thanked the motorsport community for the overwhelming support shown to them since the accident.

O’Carroll was competing in the Southern 100 Road Races on the Isle of Man last week when he was involved in a horrific accident.

Three riders were injured in the crash on the opening laps of the Newcomers familiarisation runs on July 8.

All three were taken to Noble’s Hospital on the island.

County Clare-based Jaques Foley and Tyrone’s Aiden Cleary were later released – Foley was uninjured in the crash and Cleary suffered an ankle injury.

O’Carroll was airlifted to a hospital in Merseyside as he suffered serious injuries.

As well as head trauma, the Ballyduff man has several broken bones and remains in critical condition in the UK hospital.

His parents Neilus and Mary travelled to England on Tuesday last and confirmed late last week that their son had been taken off the ventilator and was breathing on his own.

However, he has a long road ahead of him, in terms of recovering from the injuries.

“There are signs of improvement. small but going in a positive direction,” Neilus said over the weekend.

“Both Mary and I are humbled by the messages of support and prayers from all motorsport federations, both north and south of the country, and from overseas. Their support has been greatly appreciated.”

O’Carroll, who now lives in Sydney, travelled especially for the event, is an experienced road racer and is considered a rising talent in the sport.

He and Foley were racing for the Wales-based Ian Lougher Racing team at the Southern 100.

Team boss Lougher wanted to withdraw the team from the remainder of the event but following a conversation with the O’Carroll family, the team continued.

Teammate Foley went on to win the best Newcomer in the SuperTwin class.

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