Tragic driver’s Donegal Rally success recalled

One of the two competitors tragically killed while competing at the Sligo Stages Rally on Sunday previously enjoyed success at the Donegal International Rally.

Driver Gene McDonald and his navigator Daire Maguire died when the Mk2 Escort in which they were competing struck a wall at Carrickbanagher at Carrowcushcly in Ballymote at around 3pm.

The fatal accident occurred around halfway through special stage 6 of the Sligo Stages Rally.

The event was halted immediately following the single-vehicle crash with the major incident protocol activated by the Connacht Motor Club.

Driver Mr McDonald and his navigator Mr Maguire were pronounced dead at the scene. The experienced competitors were popular figures across the Irish rallying scene.

Mr McDonald had success in Donegal - as both a driver and a navigator.

In 2017, he won class 9 in the Escort with Emmet Kelly on the notes, the pair finishing 29th overall having been fourth in the same class in 2015.

As a navigator, Mr McDonald also had joy in Donegal. In 2011, he navigated for Carrick man Barry McGill to win class 9 and claim a 32nd place overall finish in 2011. The previous year, driving a Talbot Sunbeam, he was second in class 10, alongside Mark Hamill.

“Our thoughts today are with the families of Gene McDonald and Daire Maguire,” a spokesperson for the Donegal International Rally said.

“Gene competed in Donegal a number of times indeed winning his class as a driver and co driver. Daire was part of the Michael McDaid team who won the Historic Rally this year.

“Also in our thoughts are our neighbours from Connacht Motorclub and all helped at the scene of the accident. Rest in peace Gene and Daire.”

Mr McDonald was a native of Cootehill in County Cavan while Mr Maguire hailed from Lisnaskea in County Fermanagh.

Gardai have asked that video footage of the incident not be shared on social media.

Motorsport Ireland, the sport’s governing body, extended its sympathies to the family and friends of the two who died.

A statement said: “Motorsport Ireland and its affiliated clubs are recognised internationally for operating to the highest standards of motorsport safety for competitors and spectators in line with the best practice of the FIA.

“Motorsport Ireland has begun a full investigation with the relevant authorities into the events to establish how this accident occurred.”

Mr McDonald is survived by his mother Maureen, father Eugene, sisters Aine and Sinead and their families, his partner Justine and daughters Saoirse and Bonnie, and all the extended family.

His Funeral Mass takes place at 12 noon on Friday in St. Mary's Middle Chapel with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery

Mr Maguire is survived by his wife Breda, children Meghan and Christopher, parents Eamonn and Bernie and siblings Catherine, Conor and Eamonn. His Funeral mass will be held on Thursday at 11am at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Newtownbutler with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.