Tragedy at Donegal Rally: Manus Kelly lost a life in the accident

The 41-year-old Manus Kelly, one of Ireland’s leading rally drivers, has been killed today in a tragic accident during the 47th Donegal International Rally, the round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship and Celtic Rally Trophy. He died after a crash on the Special Stage 15 (Fanad Head). His navigator Donall Barrett has been transported to a hospital with injuries.

Kelly was driving the #1 Hyundai i20 R5, wearing the number 1 as the winner of the Donegal Rally in the previous three editions from 2016 to 2018. In this year’s event, Kelly was in the sixth place when the accident happened. Sam Moffett was leading the rally, ahead of former WRC driver Craig Breen. The rally was immediately stopped after the fatal accident.

Manus Kelly on the official poster of Donegal Rally

Motorsport Ireland and the Donegal International Rally confirmed Kelly’s death in a joint statement: “Donegal Motor Club &ampMotorsport Ireland would like to extend its sympathies to the family and friends of Manus Kelly who was fatally injured during a tragic accident while competing in the Donegal International Rally on Sunday, 23rd June 2019.

Manus was a three-time winner of the rally and was immensely popular in the rally fraternity. He was elected to Donegal County Council in the recent elections and was a prominent business man in Donegal. Our thoughts are with his family and all affected at this time.”