Tributes have been paid to 13-year-old Lauren O'Brien, who died in a crash during a motor racing event in Co Cork yesterday.
Lauren was from the west Cork village of Tarelton, and was competing with other junior class drivers in a heat to qualify for a Cork Autograss Racing Club event at a race track in Castletown-Kinneigh, around 20km from Bandon in west Cork.
Her buggie, or modified car, was involved in a collision during the race and she suffered serious injuries.
The alarm was raised at 3.15pm yesterday and within 15 minutes, a HSE helicopter ambulance, an emergency department doctor and an advanced paramedic were among several first responders on scene.
Despite their efforts, Lauren was pronounced dead at the race track.
'A special person'
Lauren was a first year student at McEgan College in Macroom.
School principal Trish Lynam said Lauren's death has left a huge void.
"From day one we recognised she was a special person. She was so full of life, a beautiful, kind-hearted, popular person with both her peers and her teachers," she said.
After just four weeks in the school the principal said Lauren had been asked to accompany the school on its visits to primary schools, preparing for their open evening for this year's intake of new students.
"She had that special quality that people look for in students."
Ms Lynam offered the school's condolences to Lauren's family, as well as the community of Tarelton.
She said Lauren had been so proud of the sport she was involved in. "It was only her second race but she was so, so proud being able to compete in this particular area."
McEgan College opened for three hours this afternoon, following a meeting of the critical incident team.
"A lot of parents did accompany their child in because parents are struggling also. Its not something we've experienced for someone so young to be taken so quickly from us," Ms Lynam said.
"We'll do the same again tomorrow," she said when psychologists will also be available.
'Her loss is unimaginable'
Racing driver Hanna Celsie said her heart goes out to Lauren's family and friends.
In a post on Facebook, she said: "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 has paid tribute to Lauren, saying in a post on social media that her "passion for motorsport and her bright spirit will never be forgotten".
Road Race Alliance of Ireland (RRAI), which represents two and three-wheeled motorsport, said 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.
"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.
"We send our love and strength to those mourning Lauren. May she rest in peace and forever race among the stars."
A post-mortem examination will be carried out tomorrow and gardaí said investigations are ongoing and a technical examination will take place at the race track.
They have appealed for anyone who attended the event with information to contact them.
Gardaí have also appealed to anyone who may have phone or other footage, not to post it on social media but to make it available to them.
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.
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