A Manx biker has announced the arrival of his baby boy just days ahead of competing in this year’s Ulster Grand Prix.

Two have become three as Castletown man Paul Cassidy and partner Naomi McCarroll welcomed their newborn son after arriving in Northern Ireland last weekend.

The Manxman, who has never raced in Ireland before, will compete in this week’s road races at Dundrod.

On Monday morning (August 5) Naomi was whisked off to the Royal Victoria hospital in Belfast and a few hours later the couple were the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy.

’Naomi is originally from Carrickfergus and she was with her mum on Monday when I got a phone call to say she had some pains in her stomach and was going to hospital,’ Paul said.

’I was changing sprockets and spannering the bike in the paddock but I managed to get there in time for the birth.’

Naomi hadn’t been expected to give birth until August 19, but mother and baby are doing well. The 7lb 4oz boy still doesn’t have a name though.

’Naomi’s dad, Vinnie, died just a couple of weeks ago so we will probably name our baby after him but I’d like to also get a name that links into the Ulster Grand Prix as well,’ said Paul. ’After all it’s not everyday you come over here and something like this happens!’

Despite the extra responsibility, the 31-year-old has vowed to continue with his plans to race his R6 Yamaha in the Supersport races.

’I’m really looking forward to getting out there,’ he said.

’The nurse at the hospital was telling me what the visiting hours were and when I said I wouldn’t be able to get there in the afternoon because I had to attend the newcomer’s briefing she wasn’t very impressed.’

Paul said he’s made a huge financial commitment to compete and Naomi fully supports his decision to continue.

’She knows what I have put into our racing and is behind me all the way,’ he said. ’Naomi always helps in the paddock and you never know, she might make it up to Dundrod for the racing on Saturday with the baby to cheer me on!’