The communities of Clare, Kerry and all factions of Motorsport Ireland are said to be united in grief following the tragic death of a competitor at the Clare Stages Rally.
The incident happened on the fourth stage of the event yesterday afternoon.
Damien Fleming of Kilcummin Co.Kerry tragically lost his life in Carron yesterday following a multi-vehicle collision during the Clare stages rally.
The 37-year-old had already garnered a distinguished reputation in Irish motorsport with more than 150 events under his belt since he began competing in 2006.
An all-rounder in his field, Damien was highly respected by his competitors on both sides of the border where he participated as both a driver and a navigator.
The fatal incident occurred on the fourth stage of the rally, in which owing to the format of the event, competitors would have been circulating the route for the second time on the day.
It’s understood the car Damien had been navigating came to a stop due to mechanical difficulties before it was involved in a collision with another vehicle.
The driver of the car was uninjured while the driver of the second car was transferred to University Hospital Limerick for treatment of injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
However Damien, who had been travelling in the first car at the time, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Motorsport Ireland Sporting Manager Art McCarrick, says their community has been devastated.
The incident marks the fourth fatality in Irish Rallying so far this year and Motorsport Ireland say a comprehensive investigation will be conducted with all relevant authorities in due course.
A North Clare Councillor says however that while a deep examination of the day’s events is welcome, the priority is supporting all those affected by the tragic accident.
Lisdoonvarna Councillor Joe Garrihy says the local community have been left reeling from the loss of a man who came to their area to enjoy a pursuit that he loved.
You can listen to the full interview here:
