Sligo Stages Rally Accident, What Happened At Sligo Rally Today? Who Died In Sligo Rally?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Jul 17, 2023
Sligo Stages Rally Accident
Motorsport Ireland, the governing body of Irish motorsport, has launched a comprehensive investigation following a tragic incident during the Sligo Rally. Tragically, a competing crew lost their lives in a fatal accident on the sixth stage of the rally. The unfortunate incident took place on the Carrickbanagher stage, situated between Ballymote and Collooney, at around 3 pm on Sunday afternoon.
Both the driver and passenger in the car sustained fatal injuries when their vehicle collided with a wall. Reports suggest that the individuals involved were from Ulster, and the driver was in his 30s.
Earlier in the day, amidst wet conditions, over 130 crews navigated the 10.60km stage. The accident occurred during the second run of the stage, as conditions began to improve.
Emergency crews promptly responded to the scene, and the leading crews, en route to SS7 following the service halt, were instructed to return to the Sligo service park. At 4.20 pm on Sunday afternoon, the organizing Connacht Motor Club issued an initial statement, confirming that an incident had taken place and subsequently halted the rally.
The bodies of the two men were transported to Sligo University Hospital, where an autopsy will be conducted in due course. Forensic collision investigators have also conducted a technical examination of the scene.
Authorities have requested that the public refrain from sharing footage of the collision on social media or messaging applications. They urged individuals with video footage to make it available to the gardaí. Investigating gardaí can be contacted at Sligo Garda Station on 071 915 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Motorsport Ireland expressed its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the two competitors and has initiated a thorough investigation in collaboration with the relevant authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.
What Happened At Sligo Rally Today?
The Sligo Stages rally was marred by a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two individuals, leaving Motorsport Ireland in a state of deep sorrow. The heartbreaking crash prompted the launch of separate investigations into the untimely deaths of Gene McDonald, 35, from Co Cavan, and Daire Maguire, 46, from Co Fermanagh, who tragically collided with a wall during the rally.
The event came to an abrupt halt at Carrowcushcly in Ballymote as the grim incident unfolded around 3 pm yesterday. In the aftermath, the bodies were respectfully taken to Sligo University Hospital for post-mortem examinations scheduled for today. Art McCarrick, the sporting manager of Motorsport Ireland, acknowledged the profound grief of this "difficult and dark day" and urged the public not to share any videos or images of the incident, appealing for their removal and reporting if encountered on social media.
McCarrick provided insight into the experienced backgrounds of the competitors, with the driver amassing over 15 years of experience and the co-driver over 20 years, both highly regarded regulars in the border, midland, and west regions. Tragically, during the second pass of the road section, shortly before 3 pm, the car veered off the road and collided with a wall, resulting in the devastating loss of both the driver and co-driver.
McCarrick emphasized the utmost priority given to safety in motorsport, yet acknowledged the unfortunate reality that fatal accidents can occur in any sport, including their own. Following the incident, a serious incident protocol was promptly activated, leading to the suspension of the event. At this stage, the involvement of road conditions in the accident remains unknown, and both Motorsport Ireland and An Garda Síochána have embarked on investigations to uncover the facts surrounding this heartrending tragedy.
Who Died in Sligo Rally?
A heartbreaking incident unfolded during the sixth stage of the Sligo Stages Rally in Ballymote, County Sligo, as two lives were tragically lost in a car crash, as reported by Gardaí, the Irish police.
The devastating incident occurred at approximately 15:00 local time on Sunday, casting a somber cloud over the rally. Tragedy struck during a rally in County Sligo as Daire Maguire from County Fermanagh and Gene McDonald from County Cavan lost their lives in a devastating crash.
The sport's governing body, Motorsport Ireland, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, highlighting the profound impact on the racing community. The fatal collision occurred in Ballymote around 15:00 local time on Sunday, taking place during the sixth stage of the highly anticipated Sligo Stages Rally.
Regrettably, both the driver and co-driver succumbed to their injuries at the scene, necessitating their transfer to Sligo University Hospital for post-mortem examinations. In the wake of this tragic event, separate investigations are underway, led by both Gardaí (Irish police) and Motorsport Ireland, aiming to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Both the driver and co-driver suffered fatal injuries when their vehicle collided with a wall. The bodies of the individuals have been transferred to Sligo University Hospital, where post-mortem examinations will be conducted. Following the crash, the race was immediately halted, and a meticulous technical examination of the scene is presently underway.
Gardaí have appealed to the public, requesting that any footage of the collision be shared exclusively with them and refrain from circulating it on social media. In a heartfelt statement released on Sunday, Motorsport Ireland, the governing body of the sport, extended its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the two competitors.
The statement further expressed condolences to the members of Connacht Motor Club and all those involved in organizing the event, acknowledging their prompt and professional response to the incident. Motorsport Ireland has launched a comprehensive investigation in collaboration with the relevant authorities to ascertain the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident
Sligo Stages Rally Accident - FAQs
Two people died in a crash while competing in the rally.
The accident happened on Sunday during the sixth stage of the rally in Ballymote, County Sligo.
Both the driver and co-driver suffered fatal injuries when their vehicle hit a wall.
The race was stopped, and a technical examination of the scene was initiated.
Gardaí requested that the public not share videos of the collision on social media but instead make them available to the police.