Donegal Rally cancelled after competitor's death
A man killed in a crash in the Donegal International Car Rally has been named by race organisers as Thomas Maguire.
Thomas, from Longwood, Co Meath, was the co-driver of a vehicle which crashed on a bad bend between Fanad and Ramelton, Co Donegal, yesterday afternoon.
The Donegal International Car Rally was suspended and organisers decided to cancel the rest of the event.
A spokeswoman for the event organisers confirmed: “He has died and his family have to be contacted. As far as I know he just went over the incline and down it went.”
This is the first time a competitor was killed in the rally. In 2008 a spectator was killed and in 2002 two stewards were killed.
The Topaz Donegal International Rally is one of the biggest sporting events in the country with an estimated 70,000 spectators expected for the three days.
This is the 38th rally and it was expected to generate €25m.
Competitors and club officials are attending a memorial service for Thomas at the Mount Errigal Hotel today.
