Sligo Rally Tragedy 'A Difficult And Dark Day'

The fatal crash which took place during the Sligo Stage Rally which led to the tragic deaths of two people, has been described as "a difficult and dark day".

At around 3pm yesterday, the Sligo rally was halted outside Carrowcushcly in Ballymote, and two men Daire Maguire from Co Fermanagh, and Gene McDonald from county Cavan, both died after their car hit a wall during the rally.

Their bodies were taken to Sligo University Hospital where post-mortem examinations are set to take place today.

Describing this as a "difficult and dark day", Motorsport Ireland sporting manager Art McCarrick also called on the public to refrain from posting any footage of the accident online, saying that "they are removed or reported if they are seen on social media and forwarded to both ourselves and the gardaí".

"The driver had over 15 years experience and the co-driver had over 20 years experience and both regular competitors in the border, midland and west region and well respected", Mr McCarrick continued. 

"It was the second running of that bit of road. It was used earlier in the day as stage three and just before 3pm, the car left the road and it collided with a wall and unfortunately the driver and the co-driver succumbed to their injuries". 

Admitting that "tragically it was our sport yesterday", McCarrick also explained that the event was immediately halted following the crash, which occurred at the 6th stage of the rally. 

He also revealed that the accident will be investigated by Motorsport and An Garda Síochána.