Shane O’Neill’s death on Sunday marks another sad chapter in recent Irish rallying history. Over the last 15 months in particular the bad news seems endless. None of the previous accidents or fatalities in fact have occurred on rallies, on proper special stages. That does not make Shane’s loss any easier to bear, but the reality of the situation is that safety standards on the Irish stages are as high, if not higher, than anywhere else in the world. Shane was a co-driver of the very  highest standing; Chris Rogers was a fine driver and an engineer. The Civic was more or less new, meeting every safety criteria. The accident happened when the car got out of phase on a long bumpy narrow straight. It ran over some posts and then collided with a hedge. It was the type of scenario that most who have competed will have experienced and got away with. Unfortunately this time, in the hedge, was an earth bank and a tree. The car stopped suddenly and violently.

Former National Champion and current points leader Niall Maguire, who lives quite close to the stage, commented, “This is just a tragedy for Shane’s family, his friends, and Irish rallying. I know Monaghan is my own club, but the rally was running well, no problems, everything up to standard, and then this happened. It is very sad”.   Eugene Donnelly, for whom Shane co-drove when they won the Lark in the Park commented, “Shane had a wealth of experience, he was very good on the notes, always knew the pace, made no mistakes. He was unbelievable fun in the car as well, always had a one-liner. He was absolutely dedicated to rallying, and I think could have made it as a professional. His loss will be felt for a long time here in Magherafelt and Draperstown.”