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Tributes paid to Irish rally driver Craig Breen

The 33-year-old Waterford native had been taking part in a pre-test event ahead of the Croatia Rally later this month
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

21.53 13 Apr 2023


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Tributes paid to Irish rally d...

Tributes paid to Irish rally driver Craig Breen

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

21.53 13 Apr 2023


Share this article


Tributes are being paid to Irish rally driver Craig Breen, who has died following a crash in Croatia.

The 33-year-old Waterford native had been taking part in a pre-test event ahead of the Croatia Rally later this month.

It happened just after midday local time on Thursday.

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His co-driver James Fulton was unharmed in the incident, Hyundai Motorsport said.

Tribute to Craig Breen Tribute to Craig Breen. Picture by: WRC

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) said it was "deeply saddened" to hear of Breen's passing.

"As well as being a hugely successful international rally driver, Craig was also a road safety ambassador who had a profound influence on the predominantly young men and women who follow the sport," the RSA said.

"It is one thing to be a successful and inspirational sports person, it is another thing to use that status to powerfully and positively influence your supporters to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

"Craig embodied this commitment of contributing to the greater good though his advocacy work with the RSA and Motorsport Ireland," a statement added.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is President of the FIA, the governing body for world motorsport.

"On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident," he said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the rally community at this difficult time".

The World Rally Championship said it was "shocked and saddened" to learn of Breen's passing.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Craig at this incredibly sad time".

Motorsport Ireland also paid tribute to 'Ireland's top rally driver'.

Motorsport Ireland President Aiden Harper said: "The Irish motorsport community is numbed by this tragic news. Craig was a world class driver and a world class person.

"To Craig's family, his parents Ray and Jackie, his sister Kellie, brother-in-law Darragh and nephew Bobbie, I wish to extend my deepest condolences and all our thoughts remain with Craig's co-driver James Fulton.

"May they all find the strength and support they need at this unimaginably tragic time."

Breen was also remembered earlier on Thursday's Off The Ball.

Main image: Craig Breen at the Goodwood Revival in August 2022 in England. Picture by: KS_Autosport / Alamy Stock Photo

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Craig Breen Croatia FIA Hyundai Motorsport Irish Rally Driver James Fulton Mohammed Ben Sulayem Off The Ball Rally Driver Road Safety Authority Waterford World Championship World Rally Championship

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