Gardaí were today investigating the deaths of two marshals struck by a rally car during a race in Donegal.
The two men were named as Mr George Clarke (22) from Moville, County Donegal and Mr Gerard McKenna (22) from Crossmaglen, County Armagh.
They were among a crowd hit by the car which had jumped a humpback bridge during the Donegal International Rally.
Another man remained in a serious condition in Letterkenny General Hospital following the accident in the Cloghan area of the county, between Ballybofey and Glenties. Two other men, thought to include the driver, suffered minor injuries and were admitted to the hospital.
A gardaí spokeswoman said: "There is always a full investigation into any fatality. "If it is deemed that some kind of offence was committed there would be a file prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions."
She said witnesses and event organisers would be interviewed and statements taken. But she added: "It was an organised event and it had clearance from the gardaí. These events are very well organised."
A post-mortem examination was carried out on the body of one of the men last night and the second was being conducted today.
Donegal Motor Club, which organised the event, said in a statement: "Emergency services were immediately on the scene and the event was halted. Despite their very best efforts two people were fatally injured." The club confirmed that the dead men had been marshalling the event, which has now been cancelled.
It is understood cars used the bridge near the crowd as a ‘high jump’.
The Donegal Motor Club added in its statement: "The organisers of the rally have expressed their deepest sympathy to the families of the dead.
The remainder of the Donegal International Rally has been cancelled by the organisers. The club said rally sponsor Shell backed the decision to cancel the event.
PA