The death of 15-year-old Tadhg Callaghan-Carter on Saturday after being hit by a competitor’s car at the Donegal International Rally has been described as “devastating”.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland programme, Principal of St Eunan’s College Damien McCroary said the teenager’s death was “so unexpected” and that he had just finished his Junior Cert exams last week.
Mr McCroary said everyone was “devastated by what happened here”, saying his heart goes out to the family who have tough days and months ahead of them but he added that they should know that they have a huge amount of support around them.
The incident happened shortly before 5pm on Saturday during the 12th stage of the motorsport event, at Trentagh, close to the village of Kilmacrennan.
Tadhg was one of three schoolboys who were taken to hospital after a car veered close to the edge of a section of road striking a number of spectators.
His two friends were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The remaining stages of the rally were cancelled in the aftermath of the accident.
Mr McCroary said that Tadhg enjoyed attending school and was a good student who was full of energy.
He said that the teenager looked out for others as he was a very inclusive person who brought others out of themselves.
He added that Tadhg was involved in GAA and soccer, and was part of the Gaelic team.
“He was a kind and respectful child,” Mr McCroary said.
He added that the school is open to the community this morning and that there is a Mass arranged for today as well.
Tadhg was a ‘deeply valued and popular member’ of GAA club
Glenswilly GAA club extended their “most heartfelt condolences” to Tadhg’s family and friends and said that he was a “deeply valued member” of the club.
In a statement on Facebook, Glenswilly GAA club said: “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that everyone connected to CLG Ghleann tSúilí and the local community learned of the sudden and tragic passing of our juvenile club player Tadhg Callaghan-Carter.
“He was a deeply valued and popular member of our club community.
“We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to his hearbroken parents, younger siblings, extended family and his wide circle of friends at this time of unimaginable grief.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this most difficult time,” added the statement.
Also speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland programme, Motorsport Ireland Sporting Manager Art McCarrick described the incident as “beyond devastating” and he extended his condolences to Tadhg’s family and friends.
“We’re really keen to get to the bottom of what happened, and we need to offer supports to the driver and the co-driver involved as well,” Mr McCarrick said.
Mr McCarrick said that Motorsport Ireland will be working with An Garda Síochána and that they are also conducting a separate investigation.