Tributes paid to 13-year-old who was killed at car rally

West Cork has been shaken by the news that a 13-year-old girl died while competing in a hot rod rally on Sunday afternoon.

Lauren O’Brien lost her life when the car she was driving crashed at the Cork Autograss Racing Club track, in Castletownkennigh near Enniskeane. She was one of four junior drivers competing in a heat at the event when the incident happened.

As she approached a bend, Lauren, who was a first-year student at St Mary’s Sisters of Mercy Secondary School in Macroom, began to lose control of her 1000cc engine modified hatchback and ended up hitting a steel barrier.

There were safety marshals at the event, who rushed to the crash, alongside emergency services, however, Lauren was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The young girl’s body was removed to Cork University Hospital, where a postmortem is being carried out.

Lauren was from Tarelton near Macroom. She grew up in Castletownkenneigh, attending Coppeen National School for eight years, remaining in the school when the family moved to Tarelton.

McEgan College posted a statement online, saying: ‘Friends, it is quiet in McEgan College today. The devastating news reached us yesterday afternoon that, following a tragic accident, first-year student Lauren O’Brien had passed away.’

‘Lauren was a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue. Lauren’s vivacious spirit and the ever-present twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered forever by all at McEgan College. She will be missed dearly by her classmates, friends, teachers and our entire school community,’ the message read.

The school extended deepest sympathies to her family, including parents Therese and Timmy, and Lauren’s brother and sister.

Fellow motorsports competitors have also paid tribute to Lauren after the community was left shocked by the news.

Irish racing driver Hanna Celsie posted a touching message to the late youngster on social media on Monday morning, saying: ‘My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young, talented girl who sadly passed away yesterday after an accident, racing at an event put on by Cork Autograss Racing Club. RIP.’

The Road Race Alliance of Ireland, who represent two and three-wheeled motorsports, also extended its sympathies.

‘We are all part of one wider motorsport family—and today, we grieve together. Lauren was a young girl with a brave heart and a passion for racing,’ they said.

‘Her loss is unimaginable, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to her family, her friends, her fellow competitors, and everyone who knew and loved her. When a tragedy like this happens, it ripples through every paddock, every track, and every corner of the racing world,’ their statement read.

‘No matter what we ride or drive, we all understand the love, the risk, and the heartbreak that comes with this sport.’

It is understood that there was a crowd of several hundred people watching the race, and Gardaí have started taking statements from the onlookers.

They also urge anyone who witnessed the tragedy, especially people who have camera footage, to make contact with them. They ask that people contact Bandon Garda Station on (023) 8852200, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.