Teenage spectator dies after crash at Donegal International Rally; remainder of event cancelled

The incident

On Saturday afternoon, at approximately 4.47pm, a car competing on the 12th stage of the Donegal International Rally struck a group of spectators near Trentagh, close to Kilmacrennan and about 8km from Letterkenny. The stage, Gartan, was the first of two passes planned for the day in the three-day rally.

A teenage male was killed and two other spectators were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

“Two spectators have been transferred to Letterkenny University Hospital.”

The rally was immediately halted.

Cancellation and official response

Following confirmation of the fatality, governing body Motorsport Ireland and rally organisers Donegal Motor Club cancelled all remaining stages. A joint statement said: "A young male spectator has passed away."

“We express our deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased.”

They asked that the family's privacy be respected. The cancellation was made as a mark of respect.

It is the first fatality at the Donegal International Rally since three-time winner Manus Kelly died in a crash in 2019.

Investigation

Motorsport Ireland and An Garda Síochána have launched a full investigation into the circumstances. The scene at Gartan has been preserved for a technical examination. Organizers also urged the public not to share video of the incident circulating on social media.

The rally and policing

Before the stoppage, five-time World Rally Championship event winner Kris Meeke was leading the rally by 13.9 seconds over Callum Devine, who was chasing a record fourth consecutive win. M-Sport WRC driver Josh McErlean was third.

Separately, Gardaí made 34 arrests during a large policing operation surrounding the event, with offenses including public order violations and drink and drug driving. The operation involved a high-visibility presence across Co Donegal, particularly around Letterkenny, and will continue until Monday.