Tributes have been paid to a racing champion who was killed in a crash while competing in the Donegal Rally in the Republic of Ireland. Manus Kelly, 41, from Glenswilly, County Donegal, was fatally injured when his green rally car crashed at around 12.30pm at the Fanhead Loop section of the course. The father-of-five's navigator, Donall Barrett, was injured and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening. Rally champion Magnus Kelly, 41, was killed after his green rally car crashed at around 12.30pm at the Fanhead Loop section of the Donegal Rally this afternoon The incident happened on the final day of the three-day event. Pictures of the aftermath of the crash show the battered remains of Mr Kelly's green rally car, which is missing a wheel and has a crumpled front and rear. The three-day annual rallying event attracted over 200 competitors this year, racing in front of 70,000 spectators. Mr Kelly was a local government councillor in Donegal for Fianna Fail. Party leader Micheal Martin has expressed his sadness at Mr Kelly's death, offering his condolences to his wife, five children and wider family. 'As three-time consecutive and reigning champion of the Donegal International Rally, Manus's racing talent was limitless,' he said. 'He was widely respected and loved by all of the rally community here in Ireland. The father-of-five's navigator, Donall Barrett, was injured and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening. Above: The scene of the crash 'Manus had just embarked on a promising career in local politics having recently been elected to Donegal County Council representing the Fianna Fail party. 'It was obvious throughout his recent election campaign that he was passionate and entirely committed to serving the people of the Letterkenny electoral area which he cherished. 'Manus made a huge contribution to his community. 'As a self-employed businessman, he employed 60 people in Letterkenny. He was an active fundraiser and advocate for the Letterkenny University Hospital. 'He had great commitment to the GAA and managed his local club, Glenswilly to Junior B success in 2016. 'He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and all those closest to him. My thoughts this evening also remain with Manus's co-driver and loyal colleague, Donal Barrett. Manus's death is an immeasurable loss to us all. A Garda spokesman said officers are investigating the incident. 'At approximately 12.20pm a competitor in the rally, male 40s, was fatally injured when his car was involved in a single car crash during a stage of the event in Fanad,' he said. Pictures of the aftermath of the crash show the battered remains of Mr Kelly's green rally car, which is missing a wheel and has a crumpled front and rear 'His navigator (male 30s) injured in the crash was taken by Ambulance to Letterkenny University Hospital. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening. 'The matter is under investigation and the local Coroner has been notified. 'The deceased has since been removed to the mortuary at Letterkenny UH. 'A file will be prepared for the Coroner.' In a statement, Motorsport Ireland said Donegal Motor Club is liaising with the family of the competitor involved. 'It is with regret that Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club announce that a fatality has occurred during the final day of the 2019 Donegal International Rally on Sunday 23rd June. The Donegal Motor Club are liaising with the family of the competitor involved,' a spokesman said. The three-day annual rallying event attracted over 200 competitors this year, racing in front of 70,000 spectators 'The three day annual event takes place in June each year and attracts large numbers of spectators and in excess of 200 competitors took part in this years' event. 'The relevant authorities have begun a full investigation into the incident and will be assisted by Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club. Motorsport Ireland and its affiliated clubs are recognised internationally for operating to the highest standards of motorsport safety for competitors and spectators in line with the best practice of the FIA. 'The entire motorsport community extends its fullest sympathy to the family of the bereaved. More information may be released later.'All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility