Teenager killed following incident at Donegal International Rally named

LAST UPDATE | 35 mins ago

THE TEENAGE BOY who was killed in an incident at the Donegal International Rally on Saturday has been named.

Shortly before 5pm on Saturday, emergency services and gardaí were alerted to an incident involving a participating vehicle at Trentagh, close to Kilmacrennan, at the Gartan stage of the three-day event.

A teenage spectator was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The deceased has been named as 15-year-old Tadhg Callaghan Carter.

The Donegal Motor Club, in conjunction with Motorsport Ireland, called off the rally after news of Tadhg’s passing was released

Tadhg was one of a group of three teenagers who were shunted into a field by the force of a passing rally competitor.

The other two teenagers also attended hospital but their injuries are not life-threatening.

The local coroner has been notified, and a port-mortem examination will be arranged.

The road has since been reopened.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses who were present at ‘Location 15 on Special Stage 12 Gartan’, particularly those with mobile phone or dash cam footage in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station at 074 916 7100 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

A garda spokesperson said investigations are ongoing and further updates will follow.

Donegal TD Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher said there is a “sad and morbid” atmosphere following the “untimely death”.

“A black cloud descended over Donegal when the tragic news broke,” he added.

Gallagher said his “prayers are with his family and friends”.

Pearse Doherty meanwhile described the incident as “heartbreaking”.

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“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the wider community at this incredibly difficult time,” said Doherty.

He also acknowledged the work of the emergency services who attended the scene.

Elsewhere, local councillor Jack Murray said a “young life has been taken far too early” and added: “I know everyone in this county will hold him and his family in our thoughts today.”

Tadhg was a student of St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny.

In a statement, the school said: “Tadhg was a deeply valued and popular member of our school community, and his loss will be felt deeply by his classmates, friends, teachers, and everyone who knew him.

“We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to Tadhg’s parents, brother, sisters, extended family and his wide circle of friends at this time of unimaginable grief. Our thoughts, prayers, and support are with them all.

“As a school community, we will come together to support one another, especially Tadhg’s classmates and friends, over the difficult days and weeks ahead.”

Saint Eunan’s College will open on Monday to support students, parents, staff and the whole school community from 11am.

A book of condolence will be available in the College chapel and there will be a short prayer service at 12pm.

Parish priest of Gaoth Dobhair, Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh, said Tadhg’s had reminded everyone about the fragility of life.

He asked people to pray for the family and friends of the young boy but also for all those involved in the incident.

He added that what began as a day of excitement and celebration for competitors, volunteers, supporters and spectators, ended in profound sorrow.

“At this heartbreaking time, we remember especially the young man’s family, whose hearts are burdened tonight by a grief beyond words.

“We also hold in our prayers the driver and co-driver, together with their families, friends and support teams, who will carry the weight of today’s tragedy in their own hearts.

“We remember too the emergency services, marshals, volunteers, organisers, fellow competitors, spectators, and all who witnessed or were affected by this tragedy.”

Elsewhere, Tadgh’s GAA club, Glenswilly, of which GAA star Michael Murphy is a member, have suspended all its activities as a mark of respect in light of their young player’s sudden passing.

They are also asking the public to respect the family’s request for privacy at this time.

-With additional reporting from Diarmuid Pepper

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