Topaz Donegal International Rally ends in tragedy

Gareth MacHale and Brian Murphy in their Ford Focus WRC during the Topaz Donegal International Rally. Photo: William Neill/NEILLPICS.CO.UK

Last weekend's Topaz Donegal International Rally, round four of the Citroën Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, ended prematurely in what were tragic circumstances.

Championship competitor, Thomas Maguire, from Longwood, County Meath, lost his life in an accident during the second leg of the event on Saturday 19 June.

Bobby Clinton, Chairman of the Tarmac Rally Organisers Association, said: "On behalf of all competitors and officials involved with the Citroën Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, we offer our deepest, heartfelt sympathies to Thomas's family."

"We also wish the driver of the car, Shane Buckley, one of the leading competitors in the Citroën Racing Trophy, a speedy recovery from his injuries."

Donegal Motor Club cancelled the remainder of the event in a mark of respect to the Maguire family. A memorial service for Thomas was held at the Mount Errigal Hotel on Sunday 20 June, which approximately 1,000 people attended.

Event results were declared final after stage 10, with Gareth MacHale and Brian Murphy claiming maximum championship points in their Ford Focus WRC.

MacHale finished just over one minute ahead of Tim McNulty and Paul Kiely, with Daragh O'Riordan and Tony McDaid third.

Aaron MacHale and Eugene O'Donnell were next in line ahead of Seamus Leonard and John McCafferty, while sixth for Alastair Fisher and Rory Kennedy was enough to maintain their slender championship advantage.

Fisher leads the Citroën backed series by one point, with Gareth MacHale holding second, two points ahead of his brother, Aaron. Craig Breen, who crashed out of the rally during the opening leg, is fourth ahead of Daragh O'Riordan.

Robert Barrable and Damien Connolly headed home the Citroën Racing Trophy crews, with Mark Donnelly and Aidan Friel in second.

Finally, the Modified Trophy leaderboard was topped by Daniel McKenna and Andrew Grennan, with Rodney Wilton and Connor McMahon second.

However, competitors were unanimous in that there were no winners in these tragic circumstances. The thoughts of all competitors, officials, spectators and the Tarmac Rally Organisers Association are with the friends and family of both crew members.

Citroën ITRC Standings (after round four)

1 Alastair Fisher 45pts
2 Gareth MacHale 44pts
3 Aaron MacHale 42pts
4 Craig Breen 30pts
5 Daragh O'Riordan 18pts
6 Robert Barrable 17pts