Latest news with #LaurenO'Brien
The Journal
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Journal
Funeral of Lauren O'Brien, 13-year-old girl killed at Cork racing event, takes place today
THE FUNERAL OF Lauren O'Brien, a 13-year-old girl who died at a motorsport event in west Cork over the weekend, is set to take place today. Lauren O'Brien from Terelton, Co Cork was competing in a heat at at the Cork Autograss Racing Club on Sunday when the fatal crash occurred. Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 3.30pm, when her car went out of control and crashed in to a barrier. However, all efforts to save her life failed. Autograss is a form of motor racing on mud or grass which usually features modified production cars or buggies fitted with roll-cages. A garda investigation has been launched in to the incident, with an inquest set to be held at a later date. Advertisement A requiem mass for Lauren will take place today at St. Joseph's Church in Castletownkenneigh, Co Cork at midday. The funeral will take place shortly after in the nearby Terelton Cemetery. Lauren's family have asked for privacy, especially during the funeral for Lauren. A number of tributes have been paid to the 13-year-old. McEgan College, a secondary school in Macroom, Co Cork which Lauren attended, described her as 'a beautiful girl, inside and out'. 'Bubbly, fun-loving, kind, caring, a lovable rogue. Lauren's vivacious spirit and the ever-present twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered forever by all at McEgan College. 'She will be missed dearly by her classmates, friends and teachers and our entire school community,' a statement from the school added. Irish racing driver Hanna Celsie said in a post online that her 'heart goes out to the family and friends of this young, talented girl who sadly passed away after an accident'. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Sunday World
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Sunday World
Funeral of Lauren O'Brien (13) who died in Cork motor-racing tragedy to be held on Friday
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 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.
Irish Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Family of teenager tragically killed in Cork crash thank 'all those who helped'
The family of a 13-year-old girl who sadly died following a crash at a motor racing event in Cork over the weekend has thanked 'all those who helped' after the tragic incident. Lauren O'Brien of Knockane, Terelton, who attended secondary school in Macroom in Co Cork, sadly lost her life on Sunday afternoon following a crash at an Autograss racing event at the Castletown-Kinneigh track in Enniskean, Co Cork. The alarm was raised at around 3.30pm when her car went out of control and crashed into a barrier at the track. Gardaí and paramedics rushed to the scene and efforts were made to save the life of the teenager. Lauren's family have now thanked 'emergency services, the Cork Autograss Community and all those who helped' on Lauren will be dearly missed by her loving parents, Timmy and Therese, her adoring siblings Josh and Shannon as well as her grandparents, aunts, uncles, many extended family members and wide circle of friends. The young girl's funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, and her family have requested donations to West Cork Rapid Response in lieu of flowers. Tributes have poured for Lauren O'Brien (Image: Tributes have poured in for Lauren, whose secondary school described as "a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun-loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue', in a post on Facebook. Her "vivacious spirit and the ever-present twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered forever by all at McEgan College," the school said. "She will be missed dearly by her classmates, friends and teachers and our entire school community," the statement added. They expressed their sympathies to "her parents Therese and Timmy, her brother Josh who is a second year student at our school, sister Shannon, and all those who loved Lauren and had the privilege of knowing her." Meanwhile, Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the incident. Anyone who may have camera footage and were attending the event between 3pm and 4pm yesterday are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on (023) 8852200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. The death is being treated as a tragic accident. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Post
06-05-2025
- Irish Post
Tributes to ‘bubbly, fun' teenager killed at Cork race event
TRIBUTES have been paid to a young girl who died following a collision at a race event in Cork. Lauren O'Brien died after the vehicle she was driving at the Cork Autograss Racing Event in Enniskeane crashed at around 3.30pm on May 4. The 13-year-old, of Terelton in Cork, was competing in a junior class drivers race when her buggie, a modified car used in Autograss events, was involved in the collision. She suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was then moved to Cork University Hospital where a postmortem is due to take place. In a statement confirming her death, her family said it was with 'deepest regret that we announce the death of our beloved daughter Lauren, who died unexpectedly, surrounded by her family, following an accident'. They added that she would be 'sadly missed by her parents Timmy and Therese (née Butler), sister Shannon and brother Josh'. Ms O'Brien was a first year student at McEgan College in Macroom. Paying tribute the college said she was a 'beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue'. They added: 'Lauren's vivacious spirit and the ever-present twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered forever by all at McEgan College. 'She will be missed dearly by her classmates, friends and teachers and our entire school community.' In a statement the National Autograss Sports Association (NASA) shared their 'great sadness and regret' over the incident. 'While we wholeheartedly understand, respect and appreciate the messages and outpouring of concern to those involved, our first thoughts at this time should start with the family and of course are with those in attendance, the officials, the emeregenct services who attended and witnesses to the incident," they said. "The NASA safeguarding team will be offering our support to all involved," they added. "Our focus right now is to offer immediate support to the friends and family who have lost a cherished loved one." Gardaí have appealing for witnesses the collision to contact them. 'Anyone who may have camera footage and were attending the event between 3pm and 4pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí, they state. 'Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on (023) 8852200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Sky News
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Sky News
Tributes paid to 13-year-old girl Lauren O'Brien killed in motorsport racing crash in County Cork
Tributes have been paid to a "beautiful" 13-year-old girl who died in a motorsport racing crash in County Cork. Lauren O'Brien was competing in an Autograss event at a race track in Castletown-Kinneigh, close to Bandon in west Cork, when her vehicle crashed on Sunday afternoon. The teenager, from Knockane near Tarelton, died at the scene at the Cork Autograss Racing Club and her body was taken to Cork University Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Autograss is a form of motor racing on mud or grass which usually features modified production cars or buggies fitted with roll-cages. Irish police are investigating the circumstances of the crash. Lauren was a first-year student at McEgan College in Macroom and her school paid tribute on its Facebook page. "Lauren was a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue," it said. "Lauren's vivacious spirit and the ever-present twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered forever by all at McEgan College. "She will be missed dearly by her classmates, friends and teachers and our entire school community. "We extend our deepest sympathy to her loving family, her parents Therese and Timmy, her brother Josh who is a 2nd year student at our school, sister Shannon, and all those who loved Lauren and had the privilege of knowing her." The school opened on Monday, a public holiday, to offer support to students. "May Lauren's beautiful soul rest in peace," the statement added. Irish racing driver Hanna Celsie also posted a tribute on social media on Monday morning. "My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young talented girl who sadly passed away yesterday after an accident, racing at an event put on by Cork Autograss Racing Club. RIP," she wrote. Cork Sinn Fein senator Nicole Ryan said she was "heartbroken" in a post on Facebook. "Lauren's passion for motorsport and her bright spirit will never be forgotten," she said. "My deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all affected by this terrible loss." The Road Race Alliance of Ireland extended its sympathies to Lauren's family and friends, while noting it represented two and three wheeled motorsports, and not Autograss. "We are all part of one wider motorsport family - and today, we grieve together," it said. "Lauren was a young girl with a brave heart and a passion for racing. "Her loss is unimaginable, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to her family, her friends, her fellow competitors, and everyone who knew and loved her. "When a tragedy like this happens, it ripples through every paddock, every track, and every corner of the racing world.
