Shauna Bowers
A NORTHSIDE man did a charity motorcycle ride around Ireland in 24 hours to raise funds for his late friend’s family.
Paul ‘Pulit’ Carroll, who was a massive supporter of the road racing community, passed away two years ago from a heart attack when he was just 48-years-old.
He left behind his loving partner Lisa, three daughters Amanda-Lee, Courtney, and Leah, and two grandchildren Cameron and Kacey-Rose.
Skerries local Keith Costello wanted to raise funds to support Mr Carroll’s family.
“I just want to show some support for my friend’s family,” Mr Costello told Northside People.
“We all lost a friend and I thought a great way to remember that was to raise a few bob for his family because they meant so much to him.
“I should have done it last year but it just didn't
work out and I didn't want to see another year go past without doing something for them.”
Mr Costello started his journey at the Applegreen garage on the M1, filled up with fuel and then headed South.
“I went from Dublin to Waterford, across to Cork, Kerry, and up the west coast to Limerick, Galway, Westport, Donegal, and across through the north to Derry. When I got to the North West, I knew it was downhill from there as we are used to coming home (in that direction) from the famous North West 200,” he said.
Although Mr Costello is well accustomed to road races, the winter weather was definitely his main concern.
“I kept an eye out on the weather for the week before, to see if I had to reschedule but luckily it all looked okay. I can handle rain and cold but it’s just the ice and frost that gets very dangerous,” he said.
Paul ‘Pulit’ Carroll was a huge name on the motorbike scene. The Dundrod and District MCC remembered Paul by naming a part of the famous Dundrod circuit after him, ‘Pulit’s Gate’.
This is one of the scarier parts of the course, because riders pass it at over 190mph but ‘Pulit’ loved the spot.
The Skerries community pulled together to help support Mr Costello and his charity lap of Ireland. Lots of local businesses donated prizes for the reception held on December 15 in Hills Cricket Club, and Lannon’s Funeral Home paid for the petrol for the lap around Ireland.
“The support has been fantastic,” added Mr Costello. “There are so many people and businesses willing to help.”
Mr Costello has also set up a GofundMe page and hopes to raise around €7,000 before Christmas for Mr Carroll’s family.
