Motorsport Ireland said yesterday’s fatal accident at the Sligo Stage Rally, which left two people dead, was a “very difficult and dark day” for the sport, reports RTE.
Two separate investigations have been launched into the deaths of Jean Macdonald, 35, from Co Cavan, and Dyre Maguire, 46, from Co Fermanagh, who were killed when their car crashed into a wall during a rally.
The rally was canceled after an incident at Carrowcushcly in Ballymote at around 3pm on Sunday.
The men’s bodies were taken to Sligo University Hospital, where an autopsy is due to take place.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Motorsport Ireland sports manager Art McCarrick said it had been a “difficult and dark day” and urged the public to refrain from releasing video or photos of the incident.
Mr McCarrick said the incident took place on stage six of the event.
He said both men were “experienced competitors”, reports RTE.
Mr McCarrick said the safety and security of players is paramount in everything they do, but unfortunately serious accidents can happen in any sport and “tragically it was our sport yesterday”, reports RTE.
McCarrick said that immediately after it happened, a major incident protocol was activated and the event was canceled as a result.
The chairman of the County Cavan Motor Club said the club, the local community and motor sport were “deeply saddened” by the brothers’ deaths.
Jim Reilly said Jean Macdonald had been linked to the club for many years.
“Gene was a member of the club for the last 17 or 18 years. He was a man that was originally from outside Cootehill,” he said, reports RTE.
Whilst Mr Maguire was from Fermanagh, Jim Reilly said he was well known in the Cavan area and well respected at the County Cavan Motor Club.
“They’re both friends of ours, I know them very well. We are totally shocked, as are the communities in Lisnaske, Co Fermanagh, Cootehill and Carrickmacross where Gene has connections as well,” he said, reports RTE.
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