Funeral arrangements announced for Cork teen Lauren O’Brien who died at motor racing event 

The funeral arrangements for the 13-year-old Cork girl who died in a crash at an autograss racing event at the weekend have been announced. 

Lauren O’Brien of Knockane, Terelton, Co Cork, was pronounced dead at the Castletown-Kinneigh track near Enniskeane in West Cork on Sunday afternoon.

She was participating in a heat when her car went out of control and crashed into a barrier.

The emergency services rushed to the scene at around 3.30pm on Sunday. However, all efforts to save her life failed.

The parents of the teenager, Timmy and Therese, posted a death notice on Rip.ie in which they thanked the “emergency services, the Cork autograss community, and those who helped”.

Lauren is survived by her parents, her brother Josh, sister Shannon, grandparents Christy, Teresa, Connie, and Ellen, godparents, extended family, and her friends.

Requiem Mass takes place on Friday in St Joseph's Church, Castletown-Kinneigh at 12 noon with funeral afterwards to Terelton Cemetery.

Ahead of the funeral, Lauren will be reposing at her home. Those who wish to pay their respects can do so this evening from 5pm until 8pm and tomorrow from 6pm until 8pm. People are advised that the house is private outside of those times. 

Lauren was a first year student at McEgan College in Macroom.

Management at the school issued a statement in which they said that she had a “vivacious spirit and an ever present twinkle in her eye.”

A garda investigation has since been launched into the incident on Sunday. 

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the accident to come forward, including anyone with camera footage. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on 023 8852200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111, or any Garda station.