Teenager (13) who died in Cork motorsport tragedy named locally

Sunday World

05-05-2025

The youngster - named locally as Lauren O'Brien (13) - suffered fatal injuries in an accident at a track in west Cork
A teenager who died in a motor sport tragedy in Cork has been described as a 'remarkable young girl'.
The youngster - named locally as Lauren O'Brien (13) - suffered fatal injuries in an accident at a track in west Cork.
A motor racing event was being staged at Enniskeane in west Cork by the Cork Autograss Racing Club.
The teenager was one of the participants in the event which was at the preliminary heat stage.
The accident occurred at around 3.30pm this afternoon.
Emergency services were at the scene within minutes and desperate attempts were made to stabilise the teenager's condition.
Tragically she had suffered multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene before she could be rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH).
Paramedics had fought desperately to save the girl at the scene.
Friends and family of the teenager were at the scene and were comforted by race officials and emergency services.
All competitions were immediately suspended and one local said there were very distressing scenes at the event when it was realised the incident had resulted in a fatality.
The teenager's body was later transferred to CUH.
Lauren was a first year student at St Mary's secondary school in Macroom.
The teenager was an avid motorsports enthusiast, a talented student and boasted a wide circle of friends.
"Lauren was a remarkable young girl and everyone is devastated for the family. The entire community is numb with shock," one Macroom local said.
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Gardaí are investigating the circumstances of the fatal incident but it is being described as a tragic accident.
Gardaí are liaising with the Cork Coroner's Office and the State Pathologist's Office over the tragedy.
It is understood the youngster is from the Cork area.
However, her identity will not be formally confirmed until all relatives have been notified.
A spokesperson for Kart Paddock, who covers Tullyallen Kart Club and Motorsport Ireland karting events, wrote on social media: 'Out of respect to the young girl who died in a motorsport event in Cork today, there won't be any winning posts.
"Thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends, teams and everyone in the Autograss Racing Club paddock.'
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, with the scene currently preserved for technical examination.
In statement gardaí asked for anyone with dash cam footage who attended the event to make it available to investigating gardaí.
'Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the incident involving a vehicle at a sporting event,' the garda statement read.
'A female teenager (13) who was driving the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.
'Her body has been removed to Cork University Hospital and a post-mortem will take place in due course.
'The scene is being preserved for technical examination.
'Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.
'Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on [phone], the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.'