Priest calls for ban on rallying

RobAMerc

What this idiot is on about I don't know, but it could get legs in the current climate !

http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/co-tyrone-priest-calls-for-ban-on-rally-driving-1411225.html

mikemac

Can you post the article?
It’s blocked in my workplace and I’d imagine I’m not the only one

ismynametoolong

A Co Tyrone priest is calling for rallying to be banned after a parishioner was killed in Donegal at the weekend.

Fr Pat O'Hagan says the rally organisers have to ask themselves some difficult questions following the death of the Strabane teenager on Saturday.

Eighteen-year-old Richard McGrath was struck by a competing vehicle outside Rathmelton, north of Letterkenny.

The rally, which attracts up to 50,000 spectators, was ended prematurely as a mark of respect.

Six years ago, two race marshals were killed at the Donegal International Rally and the same questions were asked then.

seamus

Nah, it would never get support.

It's accepted that if you go to a rally, you risk death. Simple as. The risk is pretty small, but it's there.

It's a bit like calling for parachuting to be banned because someone may die.

Although, what kind of organisation goes into spectator spots? I've never been to a rally. Surely they look at particular areas and cordon them off as spectator no-go areas? Such as at tight bends - it should be possible to predict where car is most likely to end up if it overshoots.

Mena

Why ban rallying? Ban idiots running across a race track.

Wishbone Ash

Perhaps someone should tell him that equestrian sports are much more dangerous.

seamus wrote: »

Although, what kind of organisation goes into spectator spots? I've never been to a rally. Surely they look at particular areas and cordon them off as spectator no-go areas? Such as at tight bends - it should be possible to predict where car is most likely to end up if it overshoots.

The unfortunate spectator ran across the road in front of a car. AFAIK it wasn't directly at a bend (which would usually have marshalls).

mike65

Jebus, it must be quiet right now. Obviously when attending such an event the onus is on the spectator is not do stupid things. And equestrian pursuits are indeed far more dangerous, but no-one would dare try ban show jumping. That would be un-Irish.

Mike.

Wishbone Ash

Mena wrote: »

Ban idiots running across a race track.

...or just ban idiots.

WHITE_P

I used to go to rallies years ago and alot of the northern irish spectators used to be drinking tinnies etc. while out at the stages and then driving like complete muppets between the stages.

Galway rally was stopped for a few years because of the behaviour, mainly of northerners, during the weekend. I don't mean to generalise or brand all northern rally fans as being dangerous or irresponsible, but that was what I used to see.

Was at Rally Ireland last november and things seemed to have changed for the better with regard to spectator attitude.

Bendihorse

mike65 wrote: »

Jebus, it must be quiet right now. Obviously when attending such an event the onus is on the spectator is not do stupid things. And equestrian pursuits are indeed far more dangerous, but no-one would dare try ban show jumping. That would be un-Irish.

Mike.

Equestrian sports are dangerous for the competitors, not the spectators, thats the difference.

I partake in both and would hate to see either banned, there are risks attached to everything, everytime you put your foot outside the door. Calling for a ban is ridiculous. The death rate associated with rallying in ireland is extreemly low for a dangerous sport such as this and thats a testament to how well they are run.

Condolances to the boys family, it was an unfortuante freak accident.

Stephen

Rally fans should call for priests to be banned :pac:

afatbollix

alot of prists are bribbed by motor clubs to change there mass times to suite rallys.. they have no problums then!!!!

if you look in the motorsport section there is a detailed report of what happened. its also along the lines of what i was told from a mate who was there...
its just one of them things it could of happened in the middle of a town during a road section or on the stage... ussally standing in front of cars while they are moving is not good...

Slig

Maybe they should call for a ban on schools, how many rercent school bus accidents could have been prevented that way:D

I was at Rally Ireland last year and loved it, its not really a spectator sport though, You wait 2 hours in a freezing cold field for 5 mins of cars passing you by so fast you cant see them. At Rally Ireland all the corners were cordened off, anywhere there was the risk of a car overshooting was also off limits and strictly patroled by the marshals. You can hear the cars coming a long time before you see them so I dont know how he was hit.

Robbo

Slig wrote: »

You can hear the cars coming a long time before you see them so I dont know how he was hit.

You won't hear a Group N Evo or Subaru until they're right close to you sometimes. The Fiestas as well don't make much noise.

Biro

anto-t wrote: »

alot of prists are bribbed by motor clubs to change there mass times to suite rallys.. they have no problums then!!!!

:rolleyes: Very constructive comment.

There are idiots at rallies and always will be. Poor fella, RIP. But you have to be careful. Apparently he crossed over after a car had passed not realising that another one was right behind that one. He probably just assumed he had the 30 second gap.

Lord Nikon

Name one sport that was banned because a spectator was killed, probably none. Don't see this ban implemented tbh.

WHITE_P

Maybe we should ban fishing and sailing the next time someone drowns while fishing / sailing in a river, lake or on the sea around Ireland.

Hornswoggle

TWAT!

Have to agree, ban people who think jogging across a rally circuit is common practice.

Guy:Incognito

Ban religion.

cyclopath2001

seamus wrote: »

Nah, it would never get support.

I have some sympathy for rallying as it's an outlet for people who enjoy speeding, held under somewhat controlled conditions and usually, the drivers themselves are very disciplined in their normal driving. So its potentially a good example to driving enthusiasts.

seamus wrote: »

It's accepted that if you go to a rally, you risk death. Simple as. The risk is pretty small, but it's there.

It's held in a public place. Do the spectators and locals have to sign a waiver of some kind? Surely the drivers must be aware of the fact that the circuit is not sealed and that people might cross the road?

seamus wrote: »

It's a bit like calling for parachuting to be banned because someone may die.

I cannot recall any incident of a parachutist landing on and killing a spectator.

Clearly, safety measures have to be reviewed.

afatbollix

cyclopath2001 wrote: »

It's held in a public place. Do the spectators and locals have to sign a waiver of some kind? Surely the drivers must be aware of the fact that the circuit is not sealed and that people might cross the road?

the road is closed no one is to be on the road... the young lad crossed teh road at the wrong time.... end of story....

when in a rally you cant think of what if there is someone around the next corner... be it a person a crashed car or even a public car.... i for one push it out of my mind and dont think about it...

JimmyCrackCorn!

As someone who has marshalled at few of these events over the years people don't believe how many people behave incredibly stupidly at these events despite instruction and every possible precaution being taken.

On one occasion i remember someone having a minor tantrum because i wouldn't move my car to allow them on to the stage mid way through the event. Unfortunately Rallying is becoming a victim of its success the more popular it becomes the more people put themselves at risk.

Yes motor sport is dangerous the issue is allot of people don't realise what an out of control car can do (pretty much anything) and iv seen worse than the recent(track) accident below.

jimmycrackcorm

Actually i have never been a marshall. Posted via Mobile Device

Mena

JimmyCrackCorn! wrote: »

As someone who has marshalled at few of these events over the years

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

Actually i have never been a marshall. Posted via Mobile Device

peasant

Mena wrote: »

seems we have two different jimmy corn crackers

Rovi

neuromancer wrote: »

Name one sport that was banned because a spectator was killed, probably none. Don't see this ban implemented tbh.

Following the 1955 Le Mans disaster (and HERE), Switzerland banned motorsport events in which two or more vehicles participated simultaneously; a ban which stands to this day.

mika27

Rovi wrote: »

Following the 1955 Le Mans disaster (and HERE), Switzerland banned motorsport events in which two or more vehicles participated simultaneously; a ban which stands to this day.

We don't want to be like the Swiss do we?? :eek:

WHITE_P

Rovi wrote: »

Following the 1955 Le Mans disaster (and HERE), Switzerland banned motorsport events in which two or more vehicles participated simultaneously; a ban which stands to this day.

Sad bast*rds, how many people are seriously injured / die every year in Switzerland while snow skiing.

Totally off thread. Why is gun ownership so high over there.

astraboy

cyclopath2001 wrote: »

I have some sympathy for rallying as it's an outlet for people who enjoy speeding, held under somewhat controlled conditions and usually, the drivers themselves are very disciplined in their normal driving. So its potentially a good example to driving enthusiasts.

It's held in a public place. Do the spectators and locals have to sign a waiver of some kind? Surely the drivers must be aware of the fact that the circuit is not sealed and that people might cross the road?

I cannot recall any incident of a parachutist landing on and killing a spectator.

Clearly, safety measures have to be reviewed.

Read about this over the weekend, very sad. Poor guy. I myself marshall at many rallies in Cork so here is a perspecitve from someone that has been on the "front line" so to speak.

Firstly, massive, i really mean massive organization goes into each tarmac rally event sround Ireland. Each rally is planned over 12 months before, and road closing orders, safety reports, and huge safety provisions are formed. Each stage has a stage commander, and a stage cannot be run without ambulance, doctor, emergency vehicle cover and of course the many marshalls. All roads with public access to the stage will have a sufficient number of marshalls on it, I have even marshalled at the end of private driveways to ensure people do not enter the stage.

All people involved are volunteers and do so for the love of the sport of rallying.

All spectators are warned before nearing the stage that motorsport is dangerous, by signs, marshalls and ads in the rally program and local papers the weeks before.

As a marshall I have often had to literally shout at people to GET OFF THE STAGE as they run across the road to gain a good view point. People often take stupid risks to get access to a good vantage point. I will always prevent people crossing the road if a car is approaching, and then let them cross when I can see the way to be clear, however at times people just literally emerge out of fields or ditches as a metro 6R4 or MK2 escort approaches, and these cars are not quiet!

Drivers are aware that spectators are around and will look out for them, but the fact remains that they are going fast and marshalls, stage clerks and spectators themselves need to ensure the stage is clear. A stage will not be run until each junction has been checked and the clerk of the course, spectator control and the stage commander are all happy that spectators are standing in a safe place.

To say "safety measures need to be reviewed" smacks of the usual high horse bull**** on here. An amazing amount of safety provisions exist on any tarmac rally but all risks cannot be mitigated and spectators, drivers and all others know a risk still exists. My heart goes out to the lads family and the drivers, however accidents happen and attempting to ruin or ban a sport over an accident involving people there of their own free will, will achieve nothing.

Rallies are not essentially "public places", all access to the course via road is signed and sealed off so those approaching are aware. All locals are well informed before the event.

Of the literally hundreads of thousands of people that attend rallies across the country each year, the death and injury toll is very very small. Wrapping everyonein cotton wool will achieve nothing.

Fey!

Astraboy is spot on in everything he says there.

I have been one of the stage commanders on events in Galway for several events, and there is a huge amount of preperation we have to do before the event can run, from taping up "forbidden ground" to briefing the marshals to ensuring that all access onto the stage is sealed.

The incident in Donegal is most unfortunate, and is thankfully one of the very few deaths in Irish motorsport.

Cmar-Ireland