Commission to examine rally deaths

The car involved was taken away for examination

The Motorsport Commission in the Republic of Ireland is to meet on Sunday following the death of two marshals at an international rally event in County Donegal.

Gerard McKenna, from Crossmaglen in County Armagh and George Clarke from Moville in County Donegal died after a car left the road during the Donegal International Rally.

Both men were 22-years-old.

The accident happened shortly before 1400 BST on Friday when the car left the road and struck three people at Cloghan, six miles from Ballybofey.

Garda Superintendent Jim Gallagher: Confirmed the rally car was being examined

Members of the commission are to discuss the accident and its implications on this year's rally season.

Two other people injured in the accident are still being treated in hospital in Letterkenny.

One is in intensive car but described as stable, the second comfortable.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services two men, who were both race marshals, died at the scene.

A spokeswoman for the Garda Siochana, said the vehicle involved in the collision had been taken to Letterkenny station for examination.

Spectators said there had been a few heavy showers and conditions were slippery.

They were horrified at the loss of life.

The international rally is one of the biggest events in the Donegal sporting calendar, drawing thousands of spectators.

Rally organizers said the event had always had, over 30 years, a good safety record.

The event was cancelled last year due to foot-and-mouth and as a mark of respect to those killed and injured, the remaining stages of this year's rally has also been cancelled.