Meeting after youth team in Donegal crash

An information session has been held at Carrickfergus Rugby Club after youth team members sustained minor injuries in a bus crash.

The club’s under 14 squad were involved in the incident as they travelled home following a game against Donegal Town on Saturday afternoon.

A statement from the club, posted on social media on Sunday evening, read: “The bus overturned on the Laghey to Pettigo Road just before 3pm but thankfully, although some of the players were taken to Enniskillen Hospital, they all got home last night and injuries were mostly limited to bumps and bruises.

“However, our thoughts are with all those who were caught up in what was undoubtedly a frightening accident and also their parents.”

The Woodburn Road-based club’s thoughts were also with head youth coach, Mark Kidd, who sustained “more significant” injuries to his ankle.

“Mark was transferred to Altnagelvin Hospital last night for an operation. We understand that he will require further surgery and we all wish him a speedy recovery,” the statement added.

Jim Simms from Carrickfergus Rugby Club confirmed that a meeting was due to take place on Monday evening at the club premises.

The meeting, the statement added, aimed to try and address any questions and offer support.

“The officers and management committee would like to record its thanks to Darren Wady, Marty Lusty, Adam Moore and Ivan Jefferson for everything they did yesterday to look after the injured and get everyone home,” the club statement added.

“We are also incredibly grateful to the staff at the Termon Complex and the people of Pettigo, County Donegal who really did everything possible to look after the Carrick players.

“And finally, our thanks to the referee who came across the crash and stayed with the team throughout.”

Meanwhile, in a statement, Gardai in Donegal Town confirmed they are investigating a single vehicle road traffic collision which occurred in Donegal on March 28.

“At approximately 2.50pm on Saturday March 28, a bus containing 21 teenagers (an Under 14 rugby team) and five adults, including the driver, overturned at Tullymore, Pettigo on the Laghey to Pettigo road, Co Donegal,” a Gardai spokesperson said.

“Emergency services attended the scene and dealt with a large number of the injured teenagers for minor cuts and bruises.

“Twelve of the passengers were taken to Enniskillen Hospital for treatment with injuries not believed to be life threatening.As of 8pm that evening all except for one were released from the hospital.

“The road was closed for a time to facilitate a forensic collision examination but reopened afterwards.”

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