'Loveable rogue with ever-present twinkle in her eye': Teen killed at Cork motor sport event remembered

Lauren O'Brien, who attended McEgan College in Macroom, was pronounced dead at the scene Sunday afternoon

A 13-year-old girl who died in a crash whilst she was competing in an auto grass racing event at the Castletown Kennigh track in Enniskean, Co. Cork yesterday has been named locally as Lauren O’Brien of Knockane, Terelton. Picture: McEgan College/Facebook

The 13-year-old girl who died in a crash whilst she was competing in an auto grass racing event in Enniskean, Co Cork has been remembered by  her school as a "loveable rogue" who had an “ever-present twinkle in her eye”.

Lauren O'Brien of Knockane, Terelton was a pupil at McEgan College in Macroom. She crashed at the Castletown Kennigh track in Enniskean on Sunday.

The alarm was raised at around 3.30pm when her car went out of control and crashed in to a barrier at the track.

Gardaí and paramedics rushed to the track but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A postmortem examination will take place Monday at Cork University Hospital.

Her school, where she was a first year pupil, said today: “The devastating news reached us yesterday afternoon that following a tragic accident, Lauren had passed away.

“Lauren was a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun loving, kind, caring, a lovable rogue.

“Lauren’s vivacious spirit and the ever-present twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered forever by all at McEgan College.

“She will be missed dearly by her classmates, friends and teachers and our entire school community.”

They added: “We extend our deepest sympathy to her loving family, her parents Therese and Timmy, her brother Josh, sister Shannon, and all those who loved Lauren and had the privilege of knowing her.” 

 The school said it will be open from 12-3pm for any members of the school community who wish to come in for support and to remember Lauren.

Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) will be there to support and advise teachers in their efforts to assist students at this time.

“May Lauren’s beautiful soul rest in peace,” the school added.

Other young people who were taking part in the heat in which Lauren died were deeply upset by what had occurred. Large numbers of spectators also witnessed the accident. Gardaí have started taking statements from people who saw the accident unfold.

The scene was preserved for a technical examination. A garda investigation has been launched in to the incident. The Coroner was notified of the death and an inquest will be held at a later date. A family liaison office will also be appointed to assist the family.

Racing got underway at 11am yesterday morning and was immediately suspended when the accident happened. It was to involve male, female and junior events.

Irish Racing driver Hanna Celsie posted on social media that she was saddened to hear of the death of the teenager.

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young talented girl who sadly past away yesterday after an accident, racing at an event put on by Cork Autograss Racing Club. RIP.” 

Kart Paddock, a social media page which posts karting and motor racing results, said that it would not be posting results “out of respect to the young girl who died.” 

“Thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends, teams and everyone in the Autograss Racing Club paddock.” 

The Road Race Alliance of Ireland (RRAI) have praised Lauren O’Brien’s “brave heart” and said her loss is “unimaginable”.

In a statement on Facebook, the RRAI said: “We are heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of 13-year-old Lauren O’Brien, who sadly passed away following a crash at a racing competition in Co. Cork yesterday.

“Although we at Road Racing Alliance Ireland represent 2 and 3-wheeled motorsport, we are all part of one wider motorsport family—and today, we grieve together.

“Lauren was a young girl with a brave heart and a passion for racing. Her loss is unimaginable, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to her family, her friends, her fellow competitors, and everyone who knew and loved her.” 

The statement added: “When a tragedy like this happens, it ripples through every paddock, every track, and every corner of the racing world.

“No matter what we ride or drive, we all understand the love, the risk, and the heartbreak that comes with this sport.

“From all at RRAI and the entire racing community, we send our love and strength to those mourning Lauren. May she rest in peace and forever race among the stars.” 

Cork Autograss was formed in 1998 from the West Cork Hotrod club. The club races from Castletown Kennnigh Track.

The West Cork Hotrod Club has raced at the Castletown Kennigh track for nearly three decades. A major track extension was carried out in 2010 in conjunction with Castletown Celtic football club whose pitch is the centre of the track.

Autograss Racing is motor racing on loose surface track with anything from near road spec 1000cc hatchbacks to full space framed saloons with engines varying from large v8’s to twin bike powered and even the odd turbo diesel. The sport caters for competitors from the age of twelve upwards.

Senator Nicole Ryan of Sinn Féin said that she was “heartbroken” to learn of the death of Lauren.

“Lauren’s passion for motorsport and her bright spirit will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and all affected by this terrible loss.” 

Gardaí appealing for witnesses

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the incident. Anyone who may have camera footage and were attending the event between 3pm and 4pm yesterday are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on [phone], the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. The death is being treated as a tragic accident.