Tribute to Robert up for auction
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Paul Mullan with his son little Paul and the unique tribute to Robert Dunlop composed of items donated by Paul who was one of the Dunlop’zs helpers in the pits.
A UNIQUE collage devoted to local motorbike legend Robert Dunlop with pictures and personal items donated by a former pit man of the great rider who was killed last May is being auctioned off in Galway, on August 30 to raise money for a children's charity.
Bids of £1200 have already been made for this unique framed piece that includes a pair of Robert's sunglasses and his 2004 racing licence. These items were donated by local man Paul Mullan to the The Annual Across Ireland Motorcycle Run to raise money for the Make a Wish charity.
Paul, originally from the Vow Road near Bendooragh, but who now lives in Broughshane, helped Robert and sons Michael and William out at the pits from time to time. Paul says, "I was given a pair of Robert Dunlop's trademark sunglasses, and his 2004 International Racing licence, by the late 'Micro' himself, after I took him down his race fuel for 'The Southern 100 Races', to the 'Skerries' meeting, 2007."
The van Paul was driving slipped down a bank, on her side. Robert came in his van to try and get the van towed out, but no joy, they were left sitting until a tractor came. Paul continued,
“I took a photo of Robert, sitting in the back of the van, which is also included in the picture. I donated the items to the Annual Across Ireland Charity, and thanks to Pat 'shiner' Shine, Fiona Madden (who donated the other pics of Robert), and Eugene McHugh, who designed and built the picture, we have ended up with this unique article for auction, to raise funds for 'Make a Wish'... it contains the actual glasses, which incidentally, Robert himself has repaired, with tie wire from his racebike, and the one and only 2004 licence."
“William and Michael were both shown the picture at this years Ulster Grand Prix, and have given there blessing to the charity, as Robert was well known for his interest and fundraising for sick children."
Paul got taking to Pat Shine through a biker website and they met at the recent 'Roon tha toon' held recently when the items were handed over. "It would be nice to see the charity make a couple of pounds from them rather than have them laying about." he said This year Annual Across Ireland is supporting the 'Make a Wish' charity grants wishes to children between the ages of 3 and 18 who are living with a life threatening illness. the Charity says, "The result is fantasy into reality. A wish can provide a positive, often once in a lifetime experience, for the child and its family. Focusing the child's attention away from the difficult routine of medical treatment and consultations, and the daily struggle against a life-threatening condition. The promise of a wish can have a remarkable effect on a sick child and has enormous impact on everyone close to them. A wish gives a child something to look forward to through their many months of treatment."
