A top driver and local politician died in a horror crash during the Donegal International Rally yesterday.
Manus Kelly, who won the Rally for the past three years, died when his car left the road at high speed around 12.30pm.
The newly-elected Fianna Fail councillor, known as “Mandy” to his fans, was one of 200 competitors taking part in the race.
A second man involved in the collision was seriously injured and is being treated at Letterkenny Hospital.
The last day of the rally was abruptly cancelled after the fatal collision.
The incident took place at around 12.30pm on Sunday on stage 15 at the Fanad Head loop.
In a statement Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club said they were last night liaising with the family of the competitor involved.
The statement added: “The three day annual event takes place in June each year and attracts large numbers of spectators and in excess of 200 competitors took part in this years’ event.
The relevant authorities have begun a full investigation into the incident and will be assisted by Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club.
“Motorsport Ireland and its affiliated clubs are recognised internationally for operating to the highest standards of motorsport safety for competitors and spectators in line with the best practice of the FIA.
“The entire motorsport community extends its fullest sympathy to the family of the bereaved.”
Mr Kelly was a successful businessman and a native of Glenswilly in Co Donegal.
He won the Donegal International Rally on three consecutive occasions (2016-18) and was the reigning champion when he died.
He has also entered politics, standing for Fianna Fáil in the Letterkenny Electoral Area at the 2019 Donegal County Council election.
Manus is survived by his wife, Bernie, and his five kids, Bella, Conan, Annie, Mandy and Charlie.
And tragically, the 41-year old told the Donegal News that his wife wanted him to retire in 2014 - but agreed to let him keep going.
He said: “I’d like to pay tribute to my own wife, Bernie.
“It’s not easy for her to watch on, and we had one really tight year in 2014 and it looked like it was almost retirement time for me.
“If she had her way, it probably would have been retiring at that time, but she respected my decision to continue doing it and kept backing me, and we have won every rally we have been in since.”
In 2016, Manus was at the reins of the Glenswilly third team as he lead them to glory in the Senior ‘C’ football championship.
Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin paid tribute to Manus, describing him as "widely respected".
In a statement he said: "As three-time consecutive and reigning champion of the Donegal International Rally, Manus’s racing talent was limitless.
"He was widely respected and loved by all of the rally community here in Ireland.
“Manus had just embarked on a promising career in local politics having recently been elected to Donegal County Council representing the Fianna Fáil party.
"It was obvious throughout his recent election campaign that he was passionate and entirely committed to serving the people of the Letterkenny electoral area which he cherished.
"Manus made a huge contribution to his community. As a self-employed businessman, he employed 60 people in Letterkenny.
"He was an active fundraiser and advocate for the Letterkenny University Hospital.
"He had great commitment to the GAA and managed his local club, Glenswilly to Junior B success in 2016.
“He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and all those closest to him. My thoughts this evening also remain with Manus’s co-driver and loyal colleague, Donal Barrett. Manus's death is an immeasurable loss to us all.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhílis.”
