Funeral takes place of 13-year-old girl who died in racing accident

Olivia Kelleher

The funeral will take place later today of a 13-year-old girl who died whilst taking part in a rally at the Cork Autograss Racing Club track in Enniskean, West Cork on May 4th.

Lauren O’Brien of Knockane, Terelton, Co Cork was pronounced dead at the scene last Sunday afternoon. Her car went out of control when she was competing in a heat and crashed in to a barrier,

A requiem mass for Lauren will take place at St Joseph’s Church in Castletownkenneigh at noon on Friday with burial following at Terelton cemetery. Mourners are asked to donate to West Cork Rapid Response in lieu of flowers.

Lauren previously attended Coppeen National School in Enniskean. In a statement on social media management and staff said that they had “nothing but warm memories of a wonderful girl full of life, determination and positivity.”

McEgan College in Macroom, where Lauren attended first year, said that she was “a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue.”

Her parents Timmy and Therese previously thanked the emergency services, the Cork Autograss community, neighbours and friends for their assistance in the aftermath of the death of Lauren.

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

She grew up in Castletownkenneigh, Co Cork with the family subsequently moving to Terlelton. Lauren was one of four junior drivers competing in a heat at the hot rod event when the accident occurred.

A garda investigation has been launched in to the incident. The scene was preserved to allow a forensic crash investigator to attempt to establish the cause of the collision.  An inquest will be held at a later date.