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A 15-year-old spectator, identified as Tadhg Callaghan Carter, has died after being struck by a competing car during the Donegal International Rally. The incident has left the local community reeling and prompted a police appeal for witnesses and footage.
What happened
The teenager, from Churchill in County Donegal, was attending a rally stage on Saturday when he was hit by a competing vehicle. Emergency crews treated him at the scene before he was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
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Community response
News of Tadhg’s death prompted an immediate outpouring of tributes from family, friends and sporting groups across the county. His school, St Eunan’s College, described him as a “kind and respectful” pupil. Local GAA and other clubs also issued condolences to his family.
Tadhg is survived by his parents, Demelza and Ian; his sisters, Hayley and Amy; his brother, Odhran; his grandparents Edward and Imelda, and Tom and Noreen (Kildare); and by a wider circle of aunts, uncles, cousins and extended relatives in both Kildare and Donegal.
Funeral arrangements
The family have confirmed that Tadhg will lie in repose at their home in Churchill from 12 noon until 9pm on Tuesday. His funeral mass is scheduled for 11am on Wednesday at St Colmcille’s Church in Glendowan, with burial to follow at Templedouglas Cemetery.
Investigation and event status
The organisers cancelled the remainder of the Donegal International Rally in the wake of the tragedy. Gardaí said they continue to investigate the circumstances and have asked anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have video footage from the area, to contact them.
