Latest news with #RRAI
Belfast Telegraph
05-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Vivacious spirit': School pays tribute to pupil (13) who died in accident at Irish race track
McEgan College, Macroom, posted a photograph and tributes to Lauren (13) on social media as it extended its sympathies to her family. The teenager suffered fatal injuries in an accident at a track in west Cork. A motor racing event was being staged at Enniskeane by the Cork Autograss Racing Club. Lauren was one of the participants in the event, which was at the preliminary heat stage. Gardaí began a forensic investigation at the scene of the incident this morning. McEgan College posted a statement online, which said: 'Friends, it is quiet in McEgan College today. The devastating news reached us yesterday afternoon that following a tragic accident, first-year student Lauren O'Brien had passed away. 'Lauren was a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun loving, kind, caring, a loveable 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.' We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. The school extended deepest sympathies to her family, including parents Therese and Timmy, and Lauren's brother and sister. The school is open this afternoon to offer support to pupils, and experts from the National Educational Psychological Service will be on hand. Sinn Féin senator Nicole Ryan also posted a tribute, saying that 'Lauren's passion for motorsport and her bright spirit will never be forgotten'. The accident occurred at around 3.30pm on Sunday. Emergency services were at the scene within minutes and attempts were made to stabilise the teenager's condition. However, she had suffered multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Friends and family of the teenager were at the scene and were comforted by race officials and emergency services. Watch: Riot police deal with disorder following Irish Cup final Lauren was an avid motorsports enthusiast, a talented student and had 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 local resident said. Gardaí are investigating the circumstances of the fatal incident, but it is being described as a tragic accident. They are liaising with the Cork Coroner's Office and the State Pathologist's Office. The Road Race Alliance of Ireland (RRAI) posted a tribute online, describing Lauren as a 'young girl with a brave heart and a passion for racing'. It said that although the RRAI represents two- and three-wheeled motorsport, 'we are all part of one wider motorsport family – and today, we grieve together. '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 the sport.' 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 and asked for anyone with dash cam footage who attended the event to make it available. 'Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the incident involving a vehicle at a sporting event,' a 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 (023) 8852200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.'
BBC News
28-01-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Road racing set to return to Republic of Ireland
Motorcycle road racing is set to return to the Republic of Ireland in 2025 after a recently set up organisation said it has secured insurance to run several RRAI (Road Racing Alliance Ireland), which includes a number of road racing clubs, split from the governing body of the sport in the Republic - Motorcycling Ireland - last new body released a statement on Facebook on Tuesday, explaining that the Walderstown, Faugheen 50 and Athea road races would return this road races have been held in the Republic of Ireland since 2022 because of difficulty in obtaining suitable insurance."After what seems like an eternity since the last motorcycle races took to the roads here in the Southern Centre, the RRAI are pleased to announce that the organisation has in fact secured an insurance policy to cover several events for 2025," the statement explained."Ever since the Road Race Clubs took the unenviable decision to leave Motorcycling Ireland last October, diligent work was undertaken by the Clubs to work together under the RRAI umbrella and leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of securing a policy that will result in our sport returning to where it belongs, among the hedges and roads in the Republic."The statement added that a "positive" future for the sport was envisaged, that other events for 2025 were being explored."The work undertaken by the RRAI and the clubs had resulted in an insurance policy that covers road races here in the South, and while there is significant work ahead, we feel that it is wholly achievable.""At present we can confirm that several road races will take place in 2025, Walderstown, the Faugheen 50 and the return of Athea in Co Limerick, however we are exploring other events for 2025, and we will update you all in due course with the confirmed dates."In Northern Ireland, the Cookstown 100, North West 200, Tandragee 100 and the Armoy road races form the road racing calendar for 2025.
