Photos by Cian Donnellan
Ballyduff raises crucial funds for injured racer Anthony O’Carroll
The final raffle for the Ballyduff Rallies, a three-day fundraiser for injured motorcycle racer Anthony O’Carroll, took place on Friday night last Ballyduff.
O’Carroll was seriously injured in a racing accident during the Southern 100 Road Races on the Isle of Man in July.
He remains in the intensive care unit of University Hospital Cork and while he has a long road ahead there are signs of improvement.
It is hoped he can be moved to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dublin in the near future to continue his recovery in an even more specialised environment.
Over the weekend of September 13-15, Ballyduff hosted various events to raise funds for O’Carroll’s recovery.
Friday night’s raffle was the final event in the fundraising effort. The full total of monies raised will be announced at a later date but it is certain to top the €100,000 mark.
The event featured motorcycle and classic car displays, live music, a monster raffle, and a 5km walk.
Riders from across the country gathered to show their solidarity for the injured racer.
The fundraiser event, jointly organised by Kerry Motor Club, Ballyduff Vintage Club, The No Hopers Motorcycle Club, and Kerry Motorcycle Racers, thanked everyone who supported the event in any way.
“The generosity shown by everyone involved has been amazing,” said an organisers’ statement.
“The funds raised will go a long way in supporting Anthony’s recovery.”
Notable attendees over the September weekend included riders like Miko Sweeney, Derek Shiels, and Kevin Keyes, as well as local racers like Andrew Murphy and Stephen Walsh.
The event also displayed a stunning collection of racing bikes, including a Road Racing Honda once raced by the late Richard Britton.
Two of O’Carroll’s former race bikes, now in the hands of new owners, were returned to his Manx Grand Prix race livery ahead of being put on display at Ballyduff Community Hall.
The full list of raffle winners can be veiwed here: https://kerrymotorsportnews.com/2024/10/04/anthony-ocarroll-fundraiser-a-thank-you-from-event-organisers-and-list-of-raffle-prize-winners/
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