Waterford rally star Craig Breen will be laid to rest on Tuesday

'The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will', reads the motorsports star's death notice

In a death notice , his grieving family said: “It is with great sadness that the Breen family announce the tragic passing of the talented and much adored rally driver Craig Breen — doing what he loved most.” Picture: Martin Walsh.

Rally driver Craig Breen will be laid to rest in his native Waterford on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old Slieverue man died while testing in Croatia on Thursday, ahead of next week’s Croatia Rally.

His co-driver, James Fulton from Cavan, escaped unharmed in the accident.

In a death notice published on Saturday on RIP.ie, his grieving family said: “It is with great sadness that the Breen family announce the tragic passing of the talented and much adored rally driver Craig Breen — doing what he loved most.” 

His parents Ray and Jackie, who own a business in Waterford city, flew to Croatia on Friday morning. He is also survived by his sister Kellie, his brother-in-law Darragh and godson Bobbie.

Mr Breen's funeral will take place at 1pm on Tuesday in the The Sacred Heart Church Ferrybank, after removal from his home at Ferrybank at 12.15pm.

His death notice included the line "The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will" by American writer Chuck Palahniuk.

Tributes have poured in for the rally star since his death.

A book of condolences was opened by Waterford City and County Council on Friday. 

His alma mater, St Mary’s boys national school in Ferrybank, tweeted: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of former pupil Craig Breen, following an accident. The school community extends their sincere condolences to his parents Ray and Jackie, his sister Kellie, brother-in-law Darragh, nephew Bobbie & his wide circle of friends.” 

A tribute was also paid to him by Abbey Community College in Waterford, where he attended secondary school. In a tweet, the school noted: “Although reaching global success, Craig continued his support for our school throughout the years. Throughout his time in Abbey Community College, Craig was determined to follow his passion and achieve at the highest level in his sport.” 

He had been due to attend the Munster Moonraker Forest Rally in Ballyvourney in Cork on Saturday. The event was postponed as a mark of respect.

This copy was updated to correct an earlier error.