‘Everyone is numb’
Storm Franklin has receded but another dark cloud now hangs above Cork as Eoin McCarthy's loved ones prepare to bury him today.
Tributes have poured in for the young man from Dunmanway who died on Sunday following a crash at the Killarney Forest Rally at Mount Eagle in Castleisland, Kerry.
Described by those who knew him as “a wonderful young man”, Mr McCarthy leaves behind his parents Liam and Nora, siblings Conor and Rachel, girlfriend Maeve, and a wide circle of family, friends and colleagues.
Speaking on the tragic loss, Cllr Karen Coakley paid tribute to Mr McCarthy, saying there are no words for such a loss.
She told the Cork Independent: It’s desperately sad. I would like to extend sincere condolences to Eoin’s family, thoughts and prayers are with them at this exceptionally difficult time.
“He was a wonderful young man, the community is utterly devastated by this tragedy; everyone is numb, there are simply no words to comprehend such a tragedy and the loss of this beautiful young man,” added Cllr Coakley.
Fellow West Cork Cllr Paul Hayes said it was dreadful that Mr McCarthy lost his life doing what he enjoyed the most.
He said: “This was a terrible tragedy for the young man’s family and wide circle of friends and supporters in the rally fraternity.
“He was a popular participant in local and national rallying circles. West Cork is in mourning on the sad passing of this popular young man and I’d like to send my condolences to his family, friends and his co-driver whom I hope has a speedy recovery from this horror crash,” said the councillor.
The fatal crash occurred at around 2pm on Sunday afternoon and at the popular Kerry rally event. Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene and Mr McCarthy was rushed to CUH where he later died.
His co-driver, a man in his 30s, was also injured in the crash and was taken to CUH with non-life threatening injuries.
A statement issued by Motorsport Ireland read: “As the governing body for four-wheeled motorsport in Ireland, Motorsport Ireland together with the event organisers and the relevant authorities, has begun a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident.
“The thoughts of everyone at Motorsport Ireland and within the wider motorsport community continue to be with Eoin McCarthy’s family and friends, his co-driver, the organisers of the event, and other members of the motorsport community who were present at the scene,” concluded the statement.
Mr McCarthy’s requiem mass takes place today, Thursday, at 1pm in St Mary’s Church, Rossmore and will be livestreamed via corklivestream.com/funerals.
The funeral will take place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.