Funeral of Lauren O'Brien (13) who died in Cork motor-racing tragedy to be held on Friday

Sunday World

07-05-2025

She will be laid to rest in Terelton Cemetery following Requiem Mass in St Joseph's Church, Castletownkenneigh at 12 noon
The funeral of the young teenage girl who died in an motor-racing tragedy in Cork last weekend is to be held on Friday.
Lauren O'Brien (13) was pronounced dead at the scene after a collision during the heat stages at the Cork Autograss circuit in Castletown-Kinneigh near Enniskeane in west Cork at around 3.30pm on Sunday.
She will be laid to rest in Terelton Cemetery following Requiem Mass on Friday in St Joseph's Church, Castletownkenneigh at 12 noon.
She will be reposing at her home today from 5pm until 8pm and tomorrow, from 6pm until 8pm.
The family have asked mourners to approach from the Terelton side although the house will be private outside of these times.
On her notice on RIP.ie, it states 'it is with deepest regret that we announce the death of our beloved daughter Lauren, who died unexpectedly on May 4, surrounded by her family, following an accident'.
It adds that Lauren ins the 'darling daughter of Timmy and Therese (née Butler), loving sister of Josh and Shannon.
'Sadly missed by her parents, brother, sister, grandparents Christy, Teresa, Connie and Ellen, god-parents Marguerite and John, aunts, uncles, grand-aunts, grand-uncles, extended family, cousins, great friends Eimer, Casey, Katie and Kathlyn and a wide circle of friends'
The notice states that Lauren's family 'would like to thank the Emergency Services, The Cork Autograss Community and all those who helped'.
They have also requested family flowers only, and 'donations in lieu to West Cork Rapid Response'.
Lauren O'Brien
The News in 90 Seconds - Wednesday, 7th of May
There are numerous messages of sympathy left in the condolences section, including one that reads: 'Deepest sympathy to the O'Brien family on the death of your beautiful daughter Lauren.
'May the good Lord and your Angel Lauren comfort and console ye all in the days ahead.'
Another offered: 'Sincere sympathy to the O' Brien and Butler families, extended family and friends on the sad passing of your Lauren. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May Lauren Rest in Peace.
Another wrote: 'Heartfelt condolences to Lauren's family and friends at this sad time, gone from this world way to soon but died doing what she loved, may Lauren rest in peace.'
One Laois father added: 'Our deepest sympathy to all the family on the sad loss of your beautiful daughter Lauren.'
'I am deeply saddened to hear of Lauren's passing,' one person wrote. 'I had the privilege of seeing first-hand the kind, bubbly, and bright spirit she brought to every day.
'She had a warmth and energy that lifted those around her, and she truly was a joy to have in class — always thoughtful, always smiling, and always herself.'
It has been reported that Lauren had only started competing in the sport in the junior class in recent times and was loving it.
The sport involves driving modified cars around a loose-surfaced track.
The event was being staged by the Cork Autograss Racing Club.
Lauren lived in the townland of Tarleton in west Cork with her parents, older brother and younger sister.
She was a first-year pupil at McEgan College in Macroom, which opened its doors for Lauren's classmates and their parents if they felt they needed support.
School principal, Trish Lynam, and deputy principal, Hugh Coughlan, said around 40 pupils made their way to the school to gather and share their thoughts and memories.
Photographs of Lauren were placed on tables in the entrance to the school along with a book of condolences.
'Lauren grew up with the sport. It's her family's sport, and this was her second race seemingly. She had done well in her first one and was buzzing after it. It's tragic,' Ms Lynam said. 'Her parents actually met through motor racing.
'They were married last November and Lauren came into the two of us showing us she was bridesmaid for her mam and dad, and she was so proud in her dress, and her hair and nails were done.
'Lauren was great, she was calm and relaxed and confident. She came from a lovely place.
'She was like an adult rather than a child, and full of life,' Mr Coughlan said.
'We've a special unit here, with moderate general learning kids, and she was so kind and nice to them. She was only here since September, but everybody knew her.
'She has a brother in second year and they are popular kids. He's into the cars too, and football, they're very competitive kids,' Ms Lynam said.
'Lauren's vivacious spirit and the ever-present twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered
'She was fierce popular in the classroom. When we do the primary school visits each year preparing new students, and Lauren was only three or four weeks in the school and she was asked to do the visits with us because she stood out as having that extra-special quality,' she added.