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The Sun
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
‘Fondly remembered forever' – Cork community in shock as family pay tribute to ‘darling' motorsport crash victim, 13
TEEN motorsport crash victim Lauren O'Brien's 'vivacious spirit and the ever-present twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered forever', her school said today. Tributes have been paid to the 13-year-old, who died while competing in a Cork Autograss Racing Club event on Sunday. 5 5 5 Her vehicle crashed at a private race track in Castletown-Kinneigh, around 20km from Bandon in west Cork, at around 3.30pm. Lauren was competing in only her second ever race when her hatchback car went out of control as she approached a bend and hit a steel barrier. The young racer, from Knockane, near Tarelton, died at the scene and her body was taken to Cork University Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Lauren was a first-year student at McEgan College in Macroom, with principal Trish Lynam telling how the youngster loved motorsport. She added: 'It was only her second race but she was so, so proud being able to compete in this particular area.' Autograss racing involves buggies or specially modified cars — with Lauren one of four junior drivers taking part in a qualification event. It was being held in conjunction with a number of other races. Large numbers of spectators, including members of her family, witnessed the horrific accident. And other youngsters who were taking part in the heat were deeply upset by what occurred. Safety marshals rushed to help and, within 15 minutes, a HSE helicopter ambulance, an emergency department doctor and an advanced paramedic were at the scene. Racing, which got underway at 11am, was immediately suspended when the accident happened. TAKING STATEMENTS Gardai preserved the scene for a technical examination, which took place today. Officers have begun taking statements from people who saw the shocking accident unfold. The Coroner was notified of the death and an inquest will be held at a later date. A family liaison officer has been appointed to help relatives. TRIBUTES PAID Paying tribute, her school said: 'Lauren was a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun-loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue.' In a statement on Facebook, they added: '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 second-year student at our school, sister Shannon, and all those who loved Lauren and had the privilege of knowing her.' And the principal, Ms Lynam, said Lauren had 'that special quality that people look for in students', adding that she was 'fierce popular'. GRIEF SUPPORT She told RTE: 'From day one, we recognised she was a special person. "She was so full of life, a beautiful, kind-hearted, popular person with both her peers and her teachers.' McEgan College opened for three hours on the bank holiday today to support devastated classmates. It followed a meeting of the school's critical incident team. 'TAKEN SO QUICKLY' Ms Lynam said: 'A lot of parents did accompany their child in because parents are struggling also. "It's not something we've experienced, for someone so young to be taken so quickly from us.' Grief experts from the National Educational Psychological Service will be available for Lauren's friends to chat to today. Irish racing driver Hanna Celsie also paid tribute to the teenager. SENATOR'S WORDS She posted: 'My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young talented girl who sadly past away after an accident, racing at an event put on by Cork Autograss Racing Club. RIP.' Cork Sinn Fein senator Nicole Ryan said she was 'heartbroken'. She wrote on Facebook: 'Lauren's passion for motorsport and her bright spirit will never be forgotten. 'My deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all affected by this terrible loss.' 'UNIMAGINABLE' LOSS And the Road Race Alliance of Ireland, which represents two and three-wheeled motorsports, also extended its sympathies to Lauren's family and friends. They said: 'We are all part of one wider motorsport family, and today, we grieve together. '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. 'HEARTBREAK' 'When a tragedy like this happens, it ripples through every paddock, every track, and every corner of the racing world. "No matter what we ride or drive, we all understand the love, the risk, and the heartbreak that comes with this sport.' Meanwhile, Kart Paddock, a social media page which posts karting and motor racing results, said that it would not be posting results 'out of respect to the young girl who died'. They said: 'Thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends, teams and everyone in the Autograss Racing Club paddock.' 'DARLING DAUGHTER' The family paid their own tribute to Lauren as they announced her passing, and called her their "darling daughter". They said: "It is with deepest regret that we announce the death of our beloved daughter Lauren, who died unexpectedly on the 4th of May 2025, surrounded by her family, following an accident. "Lauren's family would like to thank the Emergency Services, The Cork Autograss Community and all those who helped." They added that Lauren will be sadly missed by her brother and sister, parents, grandparents, godparents, extended family and wide circle of friends. RACING CLUB Cork Autograss Club was formed in 1998 by members of the West Cork Hot Rod club. It races from the Castletown Kennigh Track, part of a wider community complex that includes a soccer pitch. Night races are also held at the track, which is fully floodlit. A major track extension was carried out in 2010 in conjunction with Castletown Celtic Football Club, whose pitch is in its centre. GARDA APPEAL Autograss racing sees competitors take to a loose surface track in a wide variety of vehicles. The sport caters for competitors from the age of 12 upwards. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the incident. Anyone who was at the event between 3pm and 4pm on Sunday and has video footage are asked to make this available to officers investigating the tragedy. A Garda spokesperson said: 'Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on (023) 885 2200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.' Lauren's death is being treated by cops as a tragic accident. 5 5
BreakingNews.ie
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- BreakingNews.ie
Funeral takes place of 13-year-old girl who died in racing accident
The funeral will take place later today of a 13-year-old girl who died whilst taking part in a rally at the Cork Autograss Racing Club track in Enniskean, West Cork on May 4th. Lauren O'Brien of Knockane, Terelton, Co Cork was pronounced dead at the scene last Sunday afternoon. Her car went out of control when she was competing in a heat and crashed in to a barrier, Advertisement A requiem mass for Lauren will take place at St Joseph's Church in Castletownkenneigh at noon on Friday with burial following at Terelton cemetery. Mourners are asked to donate to West Cork Rapid Response in lieu of flowers. Lauren previously attended Coppeen National School in Enniskean. In a statement on social media management and staff said that they had 'nothing but warm memories of a wonderful girl full of life, determination and positivity.' McEgan College in Macroom, where Lauren attended first year, said that she was 'a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue.' Her parents Timmy and Therese previously thanked the emergency services, the Cork Autograss community, neighbours and friends for their assistance in the aftermath of the death of Lauren. Advertisement Lauren is survived by her parents, her brother Josh, sister Shannon, grandparents Christy, Teresa, Connie and Ellen, godparents, extended family and her friends. She grew up in Castletownkenneigh, Co Cork with the family subsequently moving to Terlelton. Lauren was one of four junior drivers competing in a heat at the hot rod event when the accident occurred. A garda investigation has been launched in to the incident. The scene was preserved to allow a forensic crash investigator to attempt to establish the cause of the collision. An inquest will be held at a later date.
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
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.
The Irish Sun
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Family of ‘loveable' & ‘bubbly' young girl, 13, killed in Cork motorsport tragedy issue emotional thank you message
THE family of a 13-year-old girl who died in an auto grass racing event in Cork have issued a heartbreaking thank you to emergency services. Lauren O'Brien of Knockane, Tarelton was driving a hatchback car in a junior competition at a private car racing track in Castletown Kennigh on Sunday afternoon. Advertisement 3 Lauren's heartbroken family thanked the emergency services Credit: Collect 3 McEgan College have led tributes to the young teen Credit: Social Media Collect The teenager's vehicle went out of control and Lauren, who was a first year student at McEgan College in Macroom in Co She was one of four competitors in the junior event which was held in conjunction with a big number of races on a sunny afternoon when tragedy struck. Other young people who were taking part in the heat during which Lauren died were deeply upset by what had occurred. Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS Members of her family who were watching the race were quickly with her at the scene. Large numbers of spectators also witnessed the accident. Lauren was wearing the full protective gear that competitors are required to wear in these events, including a helmet. This was just her second time competing in the motorsport and her principal Trish Lynam said "she was so so proud being able to compete in this particular area'. Advertisement MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN She described Lauren as 'a beautiful girl, both inside and out, bubbly, fun-loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue'. Gardai and RSA measures aimed at driving crash deaths on Irish roads Grief experts from the National Educational Psychological Service were made available to pupils in the school, which opened on Bank Holiday Monday where photos of Lauren were placed on tables in the entrance area along with a book of condolences. A postmortem will be carried out today, after which it is expected the family will bring Lauren home. On the death notice this morning on they state: 'It is with deepest regret that we announced the death of our beloved daughter Lauren, who died unexpectedly on 4th of May 2025, surrounded by her family, following an accident. Advertisement They added: "Lauren's family would like to thank the Emergency Services, The Cork Autograss Community and all those who helped." They have asked for family flowers only with donations to West Cork Rapid Response. Lauren is survived by her parents Therese and Timmy, her siblings Josh and Shannon, her grandparents Christy, Therese, Connie and Ellen along with a large extended family and friends. 'FLY HIGH BEAUTIFUL GIRL' Messages of condolence have flooded in following the Advertisement One mourner said 'Fly beautiful girl and guide your family through the dark days ahead'. Another added: "Lauren was such a lovely girl who always had a smile when we met. No words can ease your pain but you are all in our prayers." Another person said: "Lauren was a kind, bubbly, loveable girl who lit up any room with her beautiful smile and vibrant personality. "It was a privilege to have known her. May her gentle soul rest in peace." Advertisement Gardai are continuing their investigation into the tragic accident. Forensic investigation experts finished their examination at the scene yesterday. Following the examination two damaged cars, Lauren's and another which drove into the rear of Lauren's car when it hit the barrier were removed in late afternoon. They will undergo an intensive examination by Garda experts. LOCAL SUPPORT Locals brought flowers to the track which surrounds the Castletown Celtic soccer pitch yesterday. Advertisement A vigil was held last night attended by members of the close knit rural community and members of the autocross and other sports clubs in the area. Gardai 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 Advertisement The death is being treated as a tragic accident. 3 The tragedy unfolded at the track on Sunday afternoon Credit: Denis Boyle
