Saturday 19^th June 2010.

The Donegal Motor Club has expressed its deep regret at the death of a competitor in this year’s Rally.

Thomas Maguire, of Longwood County Meath, died when the car he was co-driving, went off the road during the Knockalla Stage south of Port Salon just after 3pm this afternoon.

The driver of the car is in a critical condition at Letterkenny General Hospital.

The Rally’s emergency services and the rescue services attended the scene within minutes.

In a statement the Donegal Motor Club said that in light of today’s tragic events and as a mark of respect to the Maguire family, the remainder of this year’s Rally would be cancelled.

Clerk of the Course Danny Gormley, said he and everyone in the Donegal Motor Club would like to convey their deepest sympathy to the Maguire family and to all of Thomas’s many many friends

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the Maguire family and the family of the competitor who was injured at this very difficult time. Thomas loved rallying and his loss has deeply affected everyone involved in the Rally. His loss will be felt by rallying fans all over the country. It was the view of everyone in the DMC that the remainder of this year’s Rally should be cancelled as a mark of respect ‘ Gormley said.

Competitors and club officials will attend a memorial service for Thomas at the Mount Errigal Hotel tomorrow morning at 11am.

Ends.                        
                                       

Issued by the Donegal Motor Club

Declan McCay
Press Officer