Teenager (15) killed at Donegal rally named locally

A 15-year-old boy has died following a tragic incident at the Donegal International Rally. Tadhg Callaghan Carter was named locally as the teenager who was struck by a rally competitor's vehicle on Saturday near Trentagh, close to Kilmacrennan. He was part of a group of three teenagers who were shunted into a field by the force of a passing car.

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“Shortly before 5:00pm, Emergency Services and Gardaí were alerted following an incident involving a participating vehicle at Trentagh, close to Kilmacrennan, ‘Location 15 on Special Stage 12 Gartan,”

Emergency services and Gardai were alerted shortly before 5:00 PM to the incident on Special Stage 12. Tadhg was transported to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The local coroner has been notified, and a post-mortem examination will be arranged. Event organizers, MI and the Donegal Motor Club, confirmed the cancellation of the remaining stages of the rally. This marks the first spectator death at an MI event since 2012.

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“A spectator (a male in his mid-teens) was conveyed to Letterkenny University Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Gardai are actively investigating the sudden death and are appealing for witnesses. They specifically request anyone who was present at the location on Saturday, particularly those with mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward. Tadhg was a student at St. Eunan's College in Letterkenny, having just completed his Junior Cycle exams and was preparing to enter Fifth Year. The school expressed profound sadness, remembering Tadhg as a deeply valued and popular member whose loss will be keenly felt by classmates, friends, and staff. The school will open on Monday to provide support to the community, with a book of condolence available.

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“Tadhg 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.