A driver killed in a car accident during a fundraising rally race in Co. Kerry on Sunday has been named locally.
Eoin McCarthy from Drunmanway, Co. Cork died following a single-vehicle collision at the Castleisland Forest rally Mount Eagle, Castleisland, which was held to raise funds for the Irish Community Air Ambulance service.
The 22-year-old suffered serious injuries in the incident and was taken by air ambulance to Cork University Hospital, where he later passed away.
Family and friends have described Eoin as a hardworking young man and an active sports person who enjoyed playing rugby and GAA.
Cork Motor Club paid tribute to the young man saying: “The Directors and Members of Cork Motor Club would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Eoin McCarthy who sadly passed away following an accident at yesterday’s Killarney Forestry Rally.
“The club would also like to extend our thoughts to all in Killarney and District Motor Club and the officials and medical personnel who attended the scene, and to his Codriver, and fellow CMC Member Daniel O’Brien.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam”.
Another person wrote: “Yesterday the motorsport community lost a great competitor and gentleman Eoin McCarthy. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time May he rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, Motorsport Ireland, the governing body for the sport, also offered its condolences as it investigates the cause of the crash.
“As the governing body for four-wheeled motorsport in Ireland, Motorsport Ireland together with the event organisers and the relevant authorities, has begun a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident.
“The thoughts of everyone at Motorsport Ireland and within the wider motorsport community continue to be with Eoin McCarthy’s family and friends, his co-driver, the organisers of the event, and other members of the motorsport community who were present at the scene.”
A second man, who is in his 30s and who was a passenger in the vehicle, was also taken to Cork University Hospital following the crash.
He is currently being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
