The greater Irish motorsport family is mourning the death of two spectators at the Cavan Stages Rally last weekend. Joe Lane, a well-known and popular sports photographer from Kilcolgan, Co. Galway and mum-to-be, Caroline Cleary originally from Wexford and living in West Cork were killed when a competing Mark II Escort left the road and crashed into a group of spectators, two of which were the deceased.

Seven other, including the unfortunate driver and co-driver were removed to the Cavan General Hospital for treatment for non life-threatening injuries. The event, which had started just moments earlier, was subsequently cancelled. The Gardai and Motorsport Ireland, the governing body of motorsport in Ireland are conducting investigations.