Tributes paid to 'lovable rogue' following fatal crash
All of Cork was left in shock over the weekend following the death 13 year old Lauren O'Brien during a motor racing event in the county on Sunday.
Tributes have since been pouring in for Lauren who was from the village of Tarelton in West Cork.
She died on Sunday afternoon following a crash at the Castletown Kennigh track in Enniskean where she was competing to qualify for a Cork Autograss Racing Club event.
Emergency services were called to the track at 3.15pm, however Lauren was pronounced dead at the scene having suffered severe injuries.
A first year student at McEgan College in Macroom, county Cork, Lauren was described by those who knew her as “a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue”.
A post on the school’s X account read: “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’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.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to her loving family, her parents Therese and Timmy, her brother Josh who is a 2nd year student at our school, sister Shannon, and all those who loved Lauren and had the privilege of knowing her.”
On Monday, the school was open from 12-3pm for members of the school community who wished to come in for support and to remember Lauren.
Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) are present at the school to support and advise teachers in their efforts to assist students at this time.
Witness appeal
Gardaí have preserved the scene of the crash for technical examination and are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.
Anyone who may have camera footage and were attending the event between 3 and 4pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on 023-8852200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111, or any garda station.