Today's final stage of the Topaz Donegal International Rally has been cancelled after a driver died yesterday when the car he was co-driving went off the road just after 3pm.
Thomas Maguire from Longwood Co Meath was killed in the incident while the driver of the car was critically injured.
He was taken to Letterkenny General Hospital where his condition is said to be stable.
The Donegal Motor Club has expressed its “deep regret” at the death of the driver. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Maguire family and the family of the competitor who was injured at this very difficult time,” Danny Gormley the clerk of the course said.
“Thomas loved rallying and his loss has deeply affected everyone involved in the rally. His loss will be felt by rallying fans all over the country.”
Competitors and officials will attend a memorial service for Thomas at the Mount Errigal Hotel today at 11am.
This is the first time a competitor was killed in the rally. In 2008 a spectator was killed and in 2002 two stewards were killed.
The Topaz Donegal International Rally is one of the biggest sporting events in
the country with an estimated 70,000 spectators expected for the three days.
This is the 38th rally and it was expected to generate €25 million.