Gene McDonald, one of the rally drivers killed during a crash at the Sligo Stages Rally, has been described at his funeral mass today as a “loving friend” who had an “unforgettable grin”.
Both Mr McDonald (35) and his co-driver Daire Maguire (46) were killed on Sunday afternoon when their car left the road and collided with a wall during the sixth stage of the event.
Mr McDonald’s funeral mass took place this afternoon at St Mary’s Middle Chapel in Cavan, with his burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Gene was described as a “wonderful and loving” friend, father, brother, boyfriend and son, who had a huge impact on anyone he met and would do “anything for anyone”.
During the service, where some mourners attended wearing motorsport jackets, Mr McDonald was remembered for his “cheeky laugh” and for always being the “life of every party”.
He had a “love for rallying” and was a successful businessman, friends said there was a part of him that “never grew up”.
