Rally driver died after car 'flipped over' into water

An inquest has heard harrowing details of the final moments of 22-year-old rally driver Eoin McCarthy, who died when his car flipped into a flooded stream during the Killarney Forestry Rally in Co. Kerry over four years ago. McCarthy, from Dunmanway, Co. Cork, was competing in the event on February 20, 2022, for only his second rally.

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double caution

Footage shown at the inquest depicted McCarthy's red Honda Civic veering off a narrow bridge without railings and overturning into the water. The incident occurred during the rally's fourth stage at Mount Eagle near Castleisland. Weather conditions on the day had significantly deteriorated following Storm Eunice, which had prompted Status Red weather warnings.

Assistant State Pathologist Dr. Margaret Bolster testified that McCarthy died from cardiac arrest caused by a chronic lack of oxygen to the brain. He was suspended upside down inside the submerged vehicle. The pathologist found no evidence of lethal spinal injuries or significant trauma to his body.

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the heavens had opened

McCarthy's co-driver, Daniel O'Brien, who had been involved in rallying since age 12, described the moments leading up to the crash. He stated that the car was performing well through the first three stages. However, before the fourth stage, heavy rain made the track surface "slimy." O'Brien recalled calling "double caution" as they approached the bridge on an incline. Despite slowing to around 15 km/h, the car dipped left, "flipped over completely very slowly," and slid into the water with a "soft impact."

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dipped down to the left

While O'Brien managed to free himself, assistance was needed to extract McCarthy. CPR was later performed, but tragically, McCarthy could not be saved. The inquest continues.

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flipped over completely very slowly