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Updated, 18:20
TWO SPECTATORS were killed in an accident at a rallying event in Co Cavan this morning.
The accident occurred shortly after 11am, around one mile outside Bailieborough, in the eastern part of the county.
One of the cars participating in the rally went out of control at a corner and left the road, striking a number of spectators who were positioned nearby.
The two deceased – a 50-year-old man and a woman aged 29 – were pronounced dead at the scene.
Five other injured people were brought to Cavan General Hospital in Cavan town. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.
The rally was called off and the scene of the accident has been sealed off for forensic examination.
93 cars were due to take part in the event, which was taking place on closed roads. 15 cars had completed the course before the event was halted.
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Awful news, Safety for spectators needs to be improved.
I always felt that spectators at these rallys were always taking their lives in their hands they always stand so close to the action and the chance is always there a car can career off into a hedge at any time.
A agree. Feel so much for the driver. Poor man. It’s such a terrible tragedy
Ireland has the highest safety rating when it comes to rallying. Motorsport Ireland do an excellent job and should not be knocked, it was just unfortunate that the car went out of control. Have a look at the European rallies on YouTube and you will see how dangerous they are.
RIP
Jesus that’s terrible. Condolences to the families of the deceased and best wishes to the injured parties.
If you don’t understand the sport then you shouldn’t comment on it.. rip to those involved
Condolences from Wales! Very sad news indeed!
Kenny Owen
Motor Sports Organiser
I agree intirely Maurice….and for some reason they refuse to listen to stewards or those in authority on the day .Have all mine rounded up at this stage tg. It’s just past our house & as I sat up the garden I could hear all the emergancy services go past, so, knew something terrible had happened. Oh God help all families involved & indeed all the other spectators who witnessed it as it will haunt them for a long time.
Motorsport is dangerous. It shouldn’t be banned though. People just need to realise the risks and decide whether to participate or not. Very sad when anyone dies however.
These things are just too dangerous should be banned
That’s a ridiculous statement, as a spectator and competitor motorsport is a dangerous sport, however is not as dangerous as many others including horse-racing as an example.
This is a tragic accident & thought & prayers should be with the family & friends of those killed & injured and the competitors in the car involved.
Ok ban it & then what. Probably the safest.sport in the world. Still more people killed in soccer. Rallying is a huge sport in Ireland. People will continue to die as its a dangerous sport. You cannot predict somthing moving @ over 160 kph but the safety record is still the highest in the world. This is the 2nd fatal rally accident involving crowds in as many weeks. The same happened in France last week. As a fanatical motorsport fan I urge the people attending these rallies to be safe & respect the marshalls. We love this sport but not enough for people to die. Our thoughts should be with the families of the dead & injured & the poor soul whos car was involved.
why are there thumbs down on the comments offering messages of condolances! what are they thinking.
There r a lot of sados out there! They have little else to do! Most of us normal ppl take the condolence as it was heartfully ment! No doubt I will get red thumbs too! I am above that! Terrible day for Cavan! God go with the dead m their families and the injured n their families!
Shocking Sad News Condolences to the Families and friends if the deceased R.I.P. And hopefully the I juried will make a speedy recovery Prayets offered for all
Rip.i go to rally’s in Ireland and people just stand in the most dangerous spots and in harms way.and I also go to world rally events in Europe and safety of spectators is top notch everybody out of harms way
I dont get why anyone would want to stand on the side of a country road to watch this stuff. Spectator safety is non existent here.
RIP to those tragically killed and hopefully those injured will make a full recovery and our thoughts go out to the crew involved. Amazingly the media is all over rallying now! Where are ye when clubs are trying to promote the sport. Irish rallying is one of the safest forms of motorsport in the world and is a credit to everyone involved. My they rest in peace.
@Frank Wise Up Lad. This is an awful accident to happen at any event, not jus at rallying but in any sport in which competitors or people following are involved in, our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved. R.I.P
Well said pat
Well said Michael
Its a stupid so called sport, Ban it now.
The victims of todays tragic events in Cavan have been named as a rally competitor and photographer, I cannot speak for them but can vouch for their experience and knowledge of the dangers of the sport. RIP Joe & Caroline.
The drivers sign up to the risk.
The spectators don’t. The way these things have been run for years has had people standing on banks and behind walls etc.
There should be vantage points on the course that don’t put the spectators at risk. However we are a reactive nation.
If you raised this concern yesterday nothing would have changed. This accident was as possible yesterday as it was today however no matter how obvious the risk was it is only after an incident like this than changes may come about.
It’s very sad. RIP.
I’m not against spectators taking risks as long as they are informed of the risks.
I have a serious issue though with spectators standing there with children.
Children should be protected and any parent has no right to put a minor in that predicament.
As for being such a safe sport I think you will find many many safer sports, certainly for spectators.
Snooker, Tennis, Etc.
Spectators are told where is safe and where is not safe to stand, and there are stewards at the most dangerous corners. Information sheets are handed out indicating where is and isn’t safe to stand at most typical sections of road. Some spectators ignore these warnings and sometimes there are just unforeseeable freak accidents, like in any active sport.
Snooker is safe because its not a dangerous sport. However motorsport is dangerous & yes kids go to it including my kids & almost always enjoy it in a safe atmosphere. But it is dangerous. My daughters go horse riding also dangerous & cycling. If people turn up @ motorsport events & are unaware with all the signage & marshalling & the fact that some of these cars can reach over 200kph & they need to be told its dangerous then i suggest ye dont go. There are vantage points on ditches & walls & dangerous points are taped off & marshalled. However there are no garuntees like the horse riding or cycling. Its up to each person to stay safe.
Very sad news. Knew Joe from the stellar work he did with the Galway International Rally. Would travel all round Ireland due to his love of rallying. My condolences to the friends and family of both people tragically lost. RIP
Tragic news, knew joe well, he’ll be sadly missed. Sympathies to both families at this terrible time.
The same rally went past my house a couple of years ago and had some very near misses on spectator at my house. Scary stuff. Very narrow roads, bothrins, are not built to accommodate these cars at such speeds.
RIP to the 2 people and wishes to their families and friends. Speedy recovery to all who were injured whether it be physically or psychologically.
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