Tributes are being paid to the 15-year-old teenager who died after being hit by a competitor’s car at the Donegal International Rally yesterday. Tadhg Callaghan-Carter was described as a “deeply valued and popular member” of his school community and a “popular” student.
The teenager tragically lost his life after an incident involving a competing vehicle at Trentagh, near Kilmacrennan, during Special Stage 12 – Gartan of the Rally. Tadhg was one of three schoolboys who were taken to hospital after a car struck a number of spectators.
Saint Eunan’s College secondary school issued a tribute to their late student today, saying he had just completed his Junior Certificate exams and that “his loss will be felt deeply by his classmates, friends, teachers, and everyone who knew him”.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that our school community learns of the sudden and tragic passing of our student, Tadhg Callaghan-Carter,” the school said.
“Tadhg had just completed his Junior Cert examinations and was preparing to enter Fifth Year this coming September.”
“He was a deeply valued and popular member of our school community, and his loss will be felt deeply by his classmates, friends, teachers, and everyone who knew him.”
“We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to Tadhg’s parents, brother, sisters, extended family and his wide circle of friends at this time of unimaginable grief. Our thoughts, prayers, and support are with them all.”
“May his gentle soul rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
The school said it would open tomorrow from 11am to support students, parents, staff and the whole school community.
In a statement, Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club expressed being “deeply saddened” by the incident and called off the rest of the three-day event as a mark of respect,
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses who were present at ‘Location 15 on Special Stage 12 Gartan’, particularly those with mobile phone or dash cam footage in the area, to contact Letterkenny Garda Station at 074 916 7100 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.
