Rally driver died after car 'flipped over' into water

An inquest into the death of 22-year-old rally driver Eoin McCarthy in Co Kerry has detailed the tragic circumstances of his drowning after his car flipped over into a flooded stream. The accident occurred during the fourth stage of the Killarney Forestry Rally on February 20, 2022. McCarthy, a Dunmanway native, was in a red Honda Civic alongside co-driver and navigator Daniel O'Brien.

The rally, organized by the Killarney and District Motor Club, was part of the Motorsport Ireland Forest Rally Championship. Weather conditions were poor, having worsened two days after Storm Eunice, which prompted status red weather warnings. Footage revealed the car veering off a bridge and flipping upside down in the stream. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster stated McCarthy died from a cardiac arrest due to oxygen deprivation in the brain, with no evidence of spinal injuries.

O'Brien, a rallying veteran, said they completed three stages before encountering heavy rain and slimy surfaces on the incline, leading to a cautious approach. The car then flipped over and submerged in the water. Despite O'Brien managing to free himself, he needed assistance to extricate McCarthy, and CPR was performed. The inquest continues with 25 witnesses expected over four days.