Man killed while competing in Clare rally

The victim, understood to be a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The fatal incident occurred today on Stage 4 of the Clare Stages Rally. Picture: Press 22

One person has died and another injured following a crash during a rally in Co Clare this afternoon.

The incident occurred at around 1.30pm at Glencolumbkille near Carron where the Clare Stages Rally was being run.

The victim has been named as 37-year-old Damien Fleming from Kilcummin, Co Kerry.

Mr Fleming was a passenger in one of the vehicles involved. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

His body has been removed from the scene to University Hospital Limerick where an autopsy will take place in due course.

The driver of the second car was taken to University Hospital Limerick with non-life-threatening injuries.

The second driver and passenger, both males were uninjured.

The event was immediately halted while emergency services rushed to the scene.

The circumstances of the tragedy are now under investigation and the section of road is not expected to reopen until tomorrow when Garda Forensic Collision Investigators will conduct an examination of the scene.

Both the organisers of the event, Clare Motor Club and the gardaí confirmed the crash before Motorsport Ireland later issued a statement saying a competitor had died.

“Motorsport Ireland extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of a competitor who was fatally injured during a tragic accident today while competing on the fourth stage of the 2023 Clare Stages Rally," it said.

"The driver of a second car involved in the incident has been transferred to University Hospital Limerick to receive treatment for injuries he sustained.

"Motorsport Ireland extends its sympathies to the members of Clare Motor Club and everyone involved with organising today’s event who reacted so quickly and professionally to the incident.

"Motorsport Ireland and its affiliated clubs are recognised internationally for operating to the highest standards of motorsport safety for competitors and spectators in line with the best practice of the FIA.”