Co-driver killed in Donegal Rally accident
author: Leon Botha
Co-driver killed in Donegal Rally accident
Saturday, 19 June 2010
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Thomas Maguire
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Twenty six year old Thomas Maguire from Longwood, Co Meath has been killed in a crash at the Topaz Donegal International Rally this weekend while navigating in a Citroen CR2 Max for his best friend and driver, Shane Buckley.
The accident happened when the team were busy completing Stage 11 of the event and their car went through a barrier and over a cliff.
Maguire's 33 year old brother Robert, who is also a rally driver was a spectator at the bend where the accident occurred and said that it is incredible that he had to witness "the worst possible rally scenario" in a sport where the whole family grew familiar with its ups and downs.
Shane Buckley the driver is in a stable condition at Letterkenny General Hospital.
Organisers have decided to postpone tomorrow's final day of the rally as a mark of respect for Mr Maguire.
The Donegal Motor Club has expressed its deep regret at the death.
About 1500 fans, competitors and club officials attend a memorial service for Mr Maguire at the Mount Errigal Hotel yesterday morning.
This is the first time a competitor has been killed in the rally. In 2008, a spectator was killed and in 2002 two stewards were killed.
The Topaz Donegal International Rally is one of the biggest sporting events taking place in the country this weekend with an estimated 70,000 spectators expected in the county for the three-day event.
This is the 38th staging of the rally and it was expected to generate €25m.
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