Two ‘gentlemen’ gone from their families

TRAGEDY Local men killed in Sligo rally crash

Tributes have been paid to two family men who tragically lost their lives in a rally accident last weekend ahead of their funerals later this week (details below).

Gene O’Donald (30s) from Barraghy, Cootehill and Dáire Maguire (40s) from Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, both lost their lives doing what they loved - competing in the Sligo Stages Rally on Sunday.

The collision occurred at Carrowcushcly in Ballymote, Co Sligo, at around 3pm when their Ford escort went out of control and hit a wall.

The rally, organised by the Connacht Motor Club, was immediately halted as emergency services attended the scene.

Two separate investigations are underway - one by the Gardaí and another by Motorsport Ireland, the sport's governing body.

Speaking on behalf of the local motor sport community, chairman of the County Cavan Motor Club, Jim Reilly, expressed his condolences to the families of both men.

“We here in the club, the local community and the motorsport community as a whole are deeply shocked following these events."

The chairman spoke fondly of both men: “The lads are very well known and liked here in the area. Both Gene and Dáire were highly regarded in the sport, and their friendly manner knew no bounds.

“Gene would be a member of Cavan Motor Club for 15 to 18 years. He was well liked, very respected and got on with everyone - a very serious competitor might I add. I’d use the word family man. He has a young family, he was a nice man, a quiet man.”

The Cootehill man was known widely for his interest in the sport as well as his work as a mechanic with his own business, Gene McDonald Auto Services Ltd.

He is deeply regretted by his mother Maureen and father Eugene; sisters Áine and Sinead and their families; his partner Justine and daughters Saoirse and Bonnie and all the extended family.

Dáire, a father of two, is a familiar face in the county town, having worked in McEntyres for many years before taking up a recent post in Cadco PVC Products in Lisnaskea.

“While Dáire is from Lisnaskea, he worked in Cavan Town for many years up until recently. A well respected gentleman,” continued Jim.

“He is also very well known here in the club. He navigated for many Cavan Motor Club members.”

Speaking of the devastation felt in the community, Jim concluded: “There’s two families bereaved and a lad gone from each family which is very tragic.”

Tributes have also flooded in for both sports men on social media. Dáire’s employers Cadco shared their devastation following the death of their colleague.

“Dáire was one of life’s true gentlemen, a highly respected member of staff by both customers and colleagues and will be missed immensely by all. On behalf of everyone at Cadco, we offer Dáire’s wife and our colleague Breda, his children Megan and Christopher and his wider family and friends our most sincere condolences and sympathy at this difficult time.”

Carrickmacross Street Festival said their committee were “devastated” by the news of Gene McDonald’s death who they said was a “long-time sponsor and supporter of our annual event and was so well liked in Carrickmacross”.

Fellow rally man Declan Casey also expressed his condolences to both families: “It’s hard to believe that only four weeks ago, Daire was celebrating our win with us on the ramp in Donegal.”

The deaths of both men have added to an already tragic year in Irish motorsport following the passing of rallying hero, Craig Breen.

Hailing from Slieverue on the Kilkenny/Waterford border, Breen died on April 13 while test-driving a route ahead of an upcoming rally in Croatia. Cavanman and co-pilot James Fulton was injured in the accident.

Meanwhile, Gene's funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday in St Mary's Middle Chapel on Friday at 12 noon followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

To see details of funeral and removal click here

Dáire’s funeral will take place tomorrow (Thursday) at Church of the Immaculate Conception, Newtownbutler, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Garda appeal

Gardaí meanwhile are appealing for video footage of the accident and are also asking people not to share it on social media channels.

A spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána is requesting that footage of this collision is not shared across social media or messaging applications. Anyone with video footage is asked to make this available to Gardaí.

Gardaí can be contacted at Sligo Garda Station on 071 915 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.