Rally spectator killed in crash was 14 weeks pregnant

A PREGNANT woman was one of two spectators killed when a rally car ploughed into the crowd at a race, an inquest has heard.

Caroline Cleary, 29, was at the Cavan Stages Rally to watch her boyfriend Seán Hayde take part when tragedy struck.

Another spectator, 50-year-old Joe Lane, was also killed.

The accident happened when an out-of-control Mark II Ford Escort left the road and crashed into a fence where a crowd of spectators was standing. The horrific accident outside a house at Monaghanoose in Bailieborough, Co. Cavan, on May 27 last year also left other spectators injured, the hearing was told yesterday.

Rallying fan Ms Cleary, from Co. Wexford, was herself an experienced navigator and co-driver with Wexford Motor Club.

She was 14 weeks' pregnant when the accident claimed her life.

Her boyfriend, Sean Hayde, of west Cork, a rally car navigator, was at the inquest to hear how the accident happened. The hearing was told that Ms Cleary died from multiple injuries, bone fractures, an internal injury and severe brain trauma.

Mr Lane, from Kilgoggin, Co. Galway, was a part-time motor sports photographer who was at the rally to take pictures, the hearing was told.

He died from multiple injuries, bone fractures and internal injuries which were all consistent with a fatal road accident.

The Mark II Ford Escort was being driven by Michael Conlon with Aiden Boyle as navigator, the hearing was told. His wife Martina was at the inquest at Cavan Court House.

Coroner Dr Mary Flanagan recorded a verdict of accidental death for both victims of the accident. At Ms Cleary's funeral, the mourners were told that the racing enthusiast had died while watching her favourite sport.

They were also reminded that Ms Cleary had fearlessly competed as a rally driver and navigator herself.

Hundreds of mourners - including Michael Conlon, the driver of the Ford Escort - turned out to pay their respects at her funeral Mass at St Alphonsus's Church in Barntown, Co. Wexford.

Meanwhile, the devastated son of popular photographer 'Joe Joe' Lane called for prayers for the driver and Ms Cleary's devastated family at the time.