Two competitors killed in crash at Sligo Stages Rally

Two participants in the Sligo Stages Rally have died following a crash at the motorsport race on Sunday afternoon, the sport’s governing body has confirmed.

The single vehicle incident resulted in the death of the driver, from Co Cavan, and the co-driver, who is from Co Fermanagh. No spectators were involved in the incident.

The next of kin of the two individuals have been contacted.

The race was halted by the organisers, the Connacht Motor Club, while gardaí began investigating the incident.

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In a statement released on Sunday evening Motorsport Ireland said it had also begun a full investigation into the incident: “Motorsport Ireland extends its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of two competitors who were fatally injured during a tragic accident while competing on the sixth stage of the 2023 Sligo Stages Rally.

“Motorsport Ireland also extends its sympathies to the members of Connacht 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 [Federation Internationale de l’Automobile].

“Motorsport Ireland has begun a full investigation with the relevant authorities into the events at today’s event to establish how this accident occurred.”

Gardaí said the collision occurred at Carrowcushcly, Ballymote at around 3pm.

“The driver and passenger of the car, both suffered fatal injuries when their vehicle collided with a wall. Their bodies were later removed to Sligo University Hospital where a post-mortem will take place in due course. A technical examination of the scene is being carried out by forensic collision investigators this evening.”

Cllr Gerard Mullaney, the cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the organisers of the event.

There was a sense of shock throughout the county, he said. “People are stunned to hear that two people have lost their lives.”

The rally had passed his home overlooking Lough Arrow earlier in the day and he was aware of the excitement surrounding the event, he said. “It is very unfortunate it ended in tragedy despite the best efforts of the organisers,” he said.

It is understood the incident happened on a straight stretch of road a few miles from Ballymote. While it had been raining on and off throughout the day, locals said it was not raining at the time of the incident.

Gardaí are appealing to those with footage of the incident not to share it online or on social media.

No further action took place in the race following the incident. Race organisers are yet to declare results.

Local Pat McGrath said the incident happened about 500m from his house. “There was a great turnout and the event was very well marshalled and organised,” he said.

Mr McGrath had been watching the rally close to his own home when word reached the stewards that there had been a serious incident.

“We heard the ambulances passing and gardaí blocked off the roads very quickly,” he said. “Lots of people had been out at various locations looking at the rally but there was a sense of total shock and sadness when word filtered through that there were two people dead. People were stunned.”