Motorsport: Investigation under way as tragic crash ends Donegal International Rally

Kris Meeke/Liam Regan (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) led the Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally after Friday's stages. Picture: Martin Walsh.

The Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally was curtailed by the tragic death of a teenage spectator, who was hit by the side of a competing car during special stage 12 (Gartan) on Saturday afternoon. 

The teenager from Churchill, who was named on Sunday as Tadgh Callaghan Carter, died later in Letterkenny University Hospital. Two other people are receiving treatment in Letterkenny U.H. for non-life-threatening injuries. The accident occurred at approximately 4.47pm.

A joint statement issued by Motorsport Ireland and the Donegal Motor Club said, "Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club are deeply saddened to confirm that a young male spectator has passed away following an accident on the twelfth stage of the Donegal International Rally. As a mark of respect the organisers have cancelled the remainder of the event. As the governing body for four-wheeled motorsport in Ireland, Motorsport Ireland together with An Garda Siochána, have begun a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident." 

Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club expressed their deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased and ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time.

Leading when the rally was curtailed, Kris Meeke (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) was deemed winner of the event.

Meeke began Saturday's stages with a lead of 11.8s over the Skoda Fabia of Derry's Callum Devine. On the morning's opening stage he gained 2.3s on Knockalla only for Devine to trim the margin to 11s as he punched in the fastest time over Drumhallagh (SS8). 

Meeke was quickest on the repeat of both to lead by 17.4s. Meanwhile, third placed Josh McErlean (Ford Fiesta Rally2) set some encouraging times and with his issues from the previous day sorted, his times were much closer to the leading pair, particularly on SS10 where he was second fastest - 1.5s behind stage winner Meeke.

Tyrone's Glen Allen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) showed good pace to slot into fourth ahead of Monaghan's Josh Moffett, who was also making progress with his Toyota following some set-up changes. Sixth placed Eddie Doherty (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) had issues with the transmission system and the pop-off valve, Cathan McCourt, also in a Skoda, was untroubled in seventh but Michael Boyle in yet another Skoda struggled through SS10. The final places in the top ten were held by Meirion Evans, who reverted to a previous set-up in his Toyota and Desi Henry (Ford Fiesta Rally2). Donegal's David Kelly retired his Skoda with transmission problems.

Out on SS11, Trentagh, Devine trimmed Meeke's advantage to 13.9s as McErlean was second quickest through the stage as he continued to grow in confidence while Moffett gained 4.5s on fourth placed Allen to leave the margin between them at 3.7s. 

The tragic circumstances on SS12 Gartan brought a very sad end to the event. Later, results later showed Meeke to have finished 31.6s ahead of McErlean with ERC regular Philip Allen 29.5s further behind in third.

Despite losing some 48s on the opening stage following an altercation with a bale Donegal's John O'Donnell (BMW M3) recovered to win the Historic category. He finished 28.8s ahead of the Escort of Michael McDaid with Tommy O'Connell's Escort 2.7s behind in third. Pre-event championship leader Jason McSweeney (Ford Escort WRC) was fourth to retain his lead of the series.

The Modified category was won by Cavan's Aaron McIntrye (Toyota Starlet) - 17.3s ahead of Limerick's Chris O'Callaghan (Ford Escort). Killarney's Rob Duggan (Ford Escort) who had taken the lead on SS8 crashed out on the repeat of Knockalla.