Tributes pour in for Waterford rally driver Craig Breen

Irish rally driver Craig Breen tragically passed away while completing a practice event in Croatia yesterday, with tributes pouring in from fellow drivers and fans.

Breen's team, Hyundai Motorsport, confirmed the death of the 33 year-old driver, who was conducting a pre-event test when his car collided with a pole. Co-driver, James Fulton, was also in the car at the time, but was left unharmed by the accident, which occurred at roughly midday on Thursday.

Breen had an illustrious rallying career, becoming one of Ireland's most successful driver in the sport. The Waterford native won a number of international titles, including the Super 2000 World Rally Championship in 2012 and the World Rally Championship Academy Cup in 2011. Just this February, Breen placed second at Rally Sweden, a race notoriously difficult for non-nordic drivers, who do not know the terrain.

Today we lost one of the most passionate drivers out there, always driving on the limit. Hiking through the forest at night to this tricky jump where no one else was pushing, Craig just fearlessly went for it.
Thanks for making every stage worth it.
Rest easy Craig Breen. pic.twitter.com/NgLigA27Fh

— Tor Andre Børresen (@TorAndreBorrese) April 13, 2023

Hyundai Motorsport released a statement on Breen's passing:

“Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that driver Craig Breen today lost his life following an accident during the pre-event test for [the] Croatia Rally,” accounted the team, adding: “Hyundai Motorsport sends its sincerest condolences to Craig’s family, friends and many fans."

The World Rally Championship website also payed tribute to the Irish star, asserting that his talent behind the wheel “was matched only by his kind and generous nature outside the car."

"Despite his success in the WRC," they added "Breen never forgot his roots and remained deeply connected to his native Ireland. He often competed in local rallies and regularly gave back to the community, supporting a number of young drivers in his homeland... Craig will be deeply missed by the WRC family and we extend our sincere condolences to his loved ones."

The WRC family is shocked and saddened to learn of Craig Breen's passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Craig at this incredibly sad time https://t.co/xdN9qkxlXw

— World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) April 13, 2023

News of Breen’s death arrived during a meeting of the Waterford City and County Council yesterday, inciting the group to observe a minute of silence, Labour Party Councillor Thomas Phelan accounted.

"We immediately stood for a minute's silence and suspended the meeting temporarily as a mark of respect for Craig Breen, an amazing sports ambassador for Waterford. May he rest in peace. Deepest sympathies to his family, friends, team mates and supporters,” he said.

#CB42 pic.twitter.com/XiFFEKKfpp

— Art McCarrick (@artmccarrick) April 13, 2023