Timmy Cathcart
MOURNERS at the funeral of the young rally driver who was killed on Friday have heard how the Enniskillen man touched the lives of everyone he met and had made a huge impact during his short life.
Timothy Cathcart’s funeral service took place at his home in Ely Lodge on Monday. The 20-year-old was killed after losing control of his Citroen car at the Todds Leap Ulster Rally.
His heart-broken family including father Ian, mother Karina and sisters Jayne, Sarah and brother Jonathan, were joined by hundreds of mourners as the rally driver made his final journey to Devenish parish for his requiem burial.
“Timothy knew so many people from right across the divide which is so typical of Timothy because he built bridges and was a gentle giant, he was fabulous,” the driver’s father told the Fermanagh Herald.
“He had so many friends on both sides and we need people like that in our country. He has already done so much and made such an impact in his short life.
“Timothy was extremely popular and was so well liked in every circle and in the community.
“He had such an old head on young shoulders and made friends so easily.
“There was no strife with him, he was the most perfect son anyone could ask for.
“It’s just devastating, no words can explain. He was a fantastic, caring son with a unique character and was very mature, lively outgoing and modest person.
“Sorry we could not get to see everyone who attended the funeral, there was such a large crowd. People travelled from everywhere, from Clonakilty, England, Wales and as far away as America.
“All the Tweets are just incredible, he touched the lives of some many people he met.”
The two-day rally event was cancelled as a mark of respect and a investigation is under way.
It was confirmed last night (Tuesday) that the Enniskillen man’s co-driver, Dai Roberts who was seriously injured remains in a stable condition at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
In a statement from the Northern Ireland Motor Club read: “As with all incidents of this nature, an investigation is now being carried out by the PSNI and appropriate Local Authority.
“The NIMC and the Ulster Rally Organising Team together with the sport’s governing body, the Motor Sports Association (MSA), are co-operating fully with the investigation. The MSA will conduct its own separate enquiry once the Police investigation is concluded.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with the event are with the family and friends of Timothy at this difficult time.”
Among those who sent their sympathies included Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, local MLA Arlene Foster and Kris Meeke – triple world rally champion.
A statement from Fermanagh District Council chairman Bert Johnston said: “Fermanagh District Council extends our deepest sympathies to the Cathcart family and to the colleagues in the Ulster Rally who I understand are in deep shock at their great loss to their sport.”
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