A 13-YEAR-OLD girl who died in a crash at a racing competition in Co Cork yesterday has been named locally as Lauren O’Brien.

The event, which was organised by Autograss Racing Club in Cork, was taking place at Castletown Kennigh track in Enniskean. Lauren was pronounced dead at the scene yesterday afternoon.

From Knockane, Terelton, Lauren was a first-year student at McEgan College secondary school in Macroom. 

In a post to Instagram this afternoon, her school remembered her as a “beautiful girl, inside and out” who had an “ever-present twinkle in her eye”.

The post from her school reads: “Friends, it is quiet in McEgan College today. The devastating news reached us yesterday afternoon that following a tragic accident, 1st year student Lauren O’Brien had passed away.

“Lauren was a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue.

“Lauren’s vivacious spirit and the ever-present twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered forever by all at McEgan College.

“She will be missed dearly by her classmates, friends and teachers and our entire school community.”

The school extended its sympathy to Lauren’s parents, Therese and Timmy, her brother Josh and sister Shanoon. 

The school is open today from 12-3pm for any members of the school community who wish to remember Lauren or seek support.

Yesterday

A garda investigation was launched after the crash, which took place around 3.30pm yesterday afternoon.

Lauren’s car went out of control and crashed into a barrier at the track. Gardaí and paramedics quickly arrived at the scene yesterday.

A postmortem examination will take place at Cork University Hospital.

Other young people who were taking part in the heat in which Lauren died were deeply upset by what had occurred. Large numbers of spectators also witnessed the accident. Gardaí have started taking statements from people who saw the accident unfold.

The scene was preserved for a technical examination. The Coroner was notified of the death and a family liaison office will also be appointed to assist the family.

Racing got underway at 11am yesterday morning and was immediately suspended when the accident happened. It was to involve male, female and junior events.

Irish Racing driver Hanna Celsie posted on social media that she was saddened to hear of the death of the teenager: “My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young talented girl who sadly past away yesterday after an accident, racing at an event put on by Cork Autograss Racing Club. RIP.”

Sinn Féin Senator Nicole Ryan said that she was “heartbroken” to learn of the death of Lauren.

She added: “Lauren’s passion for motorsport and her bright spirit will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and all affected by this terrible loss.”

Road Race Alliance of Ireland posted on social media that Lauren was a brave girl with a passion for racing.

“Her loss is unimaginable and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to her family, her friends, her fellow competitors and everyone who knew and loved her,” the Alliance said.

It added: “When a tragedy like this happens it ripples through every paddock, every track, and every corner of the racing world. No matter what we all ride or drive, we all understand the love the risk and the heartbreak that comes with the sport.”

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the incident and have asked for any camera footage to be sent to investigators in Bandon. Anyone who may have camera footage is asked not to distribute or post it to social media. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on (023) 8852200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. The death is being treated as a tragic accident.

Cork Autograss was formed in 1998 from the West Cork Hotrod club. The club races from Castletown Kennigh Track.

Autograss Racing is motor racing on a loose surface track with anything from near road spec 1000cc hatchbacks to full space framed saloons with engines varying from large v8’s to twin bike powered and even the odd turbo diesel.

The sport caters for competitors from the age of twelve upwards.

With reporting from Jane Matthews