Mayo Stages Rally - 1 Mar 26

Preview: All Set for Mayo Stages Rally 2026

Posted: February 28, 2026 3:13 AM

Preview: All Set for Mayo Stages Rally 2026 The last nuts and bolts are being tightened on rally cars, race suits and helmets are being dusted down, and navigators from all over parts of Ireland and beyond are logging on to Google Maps to find directions to their accommodation around Westport. The final countdown to the WEST TYRE – Westport Woods Hotel & Spa Mayo Stages Rally 2026 is underway before the high-octane action takes place this weekend. (March 1st)

Rally Countdown ... all go from Friday evening
With competitors arriving from Friday afternoon on, the first task for the drivers and co-drivers after signing-on to the event is on Saturday morning February 28th, when they drive the rally stages in their road cars at normal road speed making pacenotes to use the following day. Later in the day, the rally cars will be presented for Mechanical Scrutineering, which will take place at Westport House, (access entrance beside United Park), where they will have to pass stringent road and rally safety requirements before being allowed to take part in the rally. After that the cars are locked away securely in Parc Ferme (Westport House) ahead of the start of the rally.

Ceremonial Start
For the public, the rally gets underway in earnest on Saturday (Feburary 28th ) when the leading competitors as well as all the local drivers gather on South Mall, in Westport for the Ceremonial Start. This, family friendly free event is a great opportunity to see the rally cars and stars up close, and is especially suitable for families with small children. South Mall will be closed to traffic from Saturday morning with diversions in place. The rally cars will start arriving from 8pm with the cars passing over the Rally ramp where the drivers and co-drivers will be interviewed and waved off by a very special guest. Austin MacHale is one of Ireland’s most decorated rally drivers and remains the only Mayo born winner of the event. He is also a five-time champion in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, winning in 1983, 1985, 1986, 1997 and 1998. MacHale who, between national and international rallies, has more than 30 overall wins in total, often speaks about his love for all things Mayo and no doubt conversation on the South Mall next Saturday night will include his views on Mayo GAA and his pride at seeing his sons Aaron and Gareth also compete at the highest level of motorsport.

When the flag drops….
The serious competition starts on Sunday morning, with the leading cars leaving Parc Ferme at 8am to tackle the nine challenging special stages. Details of the location of these nine stages along with safe viewing locations and other event information will be available in the official Mayo Stages Rally Programme which will be available for sale in shops and garages around the area in the coming days

High Quality Entry Field
The 2026 Triton Showers Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship gets underway on March 1st with the WEST TYRE Westport Woods Hotel and Spa Mayo Stages Rally. Based at the Westport Woods Hotel and Spa, the event has attracted a heavy-hitting entry list, as the best in the business prepare to begin their hunt for the national title.
Leading the field is defending champion Eddie Doherty. The Kilkenny man arrives in Westport with a brand-new Skoda Fabia RS Rally2.Having secured his first major win on the 2025 Circuit of Kerry, Doherty is the man to beat as he looks to start his title defence with a first Mayo victory.
He faces stiff competition from a deep field of Rally2 machinery. Michael Boyle, another first-time winner in 2025, will be campaigning a similar Skoda Fabia RS and is widely considered one of the fastest drivers in the country when the pace heats up.
Joining them is former champion Josh Moffett, who has made the switch to a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 for the 2026 season. Moffett was in clinical form last year with wins in Cavan and the Ravens Rock, and his adaptation to the new Yaris will be a major talking point.
Adding further intrigue to the top-flight is championship newcomer David Kelly in a Skoda Fabia RS. Kelly showed blistering pace at the recent Galway International and even led last season’s Sligo Rally for a spell.
The Donegal man has committed to a full national campaign. He is joined by the experienced Declan Boyle, a former champion also in a Skoda, and Cathan McCourt, who drives new Ford Fiesta after a debut run in Galway.
The Ford contingent is led by Gary Kiernan, now entering his third season with the Fiesta Rally2, and Jason Dickson, who showed consistent improvement throughout every round last year. Kevin Eves continues his transition into four-wheel-drive machinery; if he finds the “sweet spot” that saw him net a podium in Cavan last year, he will be a threat.

Shane Quinn and Keelan Grogan also feature in Fiestas with Grogan showing serious potential after a recent second-place finish at the recent Yeats Ridge Forest Rally The Citroen C3 Rally 2 camp is equally strong. Cork’s Daniel Cronin, a winner in Carlow May 2024, returns to the national trail.
He is joined by championship sponsor Paul Barrett and Cal McCarthy, with the latter using Mayo as vital seat time ahead of his home event in West Cork just a fortnight later. Joseph McGonigle, another former winner in the West also makes a welcome return to the series in a C3.
Matthew Boyle continues the Boyle dynasty’s strong presence in Irish rallying.
International interest comes from the Isle of Man’s Mark Kelly, a regular winner in the UK and a specialist on circuit-based events, who brings his VW Polo GTI R5 to the Mayo lanes.

Modified Battle
The modified category promises its usual brand of high-speed drama. All eyes will be on Kevin Gallagher in the spectacular Darrian T90 GTR. He faces a direct challenge from Patrick McHugh, also in a Darrian, while the Escort specialists will be led by Johno Doogan and Mark Alcorn. Meanwhile, Chris Armstrong returns to defend his Mk2 Challenge title, rounding out what is set to be an explosive opening round in Westport.

Locals All Set For Mayo Stages Rally
Needless to say many local competitors will be hoping to get good results on their local event. Top seeded local river David Carney has Ray Fitzpatrick alongside in a Ford Fiesta Rally2, the pair are seeded at No.28. The next highest local competitor seeded No.35 is Brian Lavelle. The rapid Achill driver faces a tough challenge against the top competitors in class 14 in his Escort Mk2.
Westport’s David Healy who is seeded No.53 is hoping to pick up in 2026 where 2025 finished as a series of impressive results saw him and his navigator Martin Byrne from Cavan claim overall 11F National Rally Championship Awards and fifth place overall in the 2wd championship standings. Mervyn Deane from Williamstown wheels out the EMP Furniture sponsored class 14 Escort at number 67. Trevor Burke co-drives.
Another Westport driver Christopher Rose is in a class 11F Honda Civic running number 109 just ahead of Balla driver Colm Connor also in 11F who has Eamonn Bonner on the notes alongside at No.111. Flying the Flag for the Ronan Rally team are Bekan’s James (in a Ford Fiesta R2) and Lorcan and Colm Ronan in a Nissan Sunny who are 131 and 132 respectively.
Kevin Dempsey competes in class 2A in his Peugeot 206 with No.146 on the doors while Ian Chambers makes his rally debut (with Ella Conway on the pacenotes) at No.148, and is chased down by Belcarra butcher Fiachra Moran (No.149) who makes a return to stage rallying after a 16 year sabbatical, Fiachra has his son Oisin onboard in his Honda Civic Type R.
Fintan McGurrin from Balla makes his foray into rallying with Keelan Joyce alongside in a Toyota Corolla, the pair are No.154. Veteran rally driver James McGreal who has Trevor O’Connell on the pacenotes, carries No.50 on the side of his Mitsubishi Evo paying homage to the Mayo Motorsport Club’s 50th year of existence.
Barry McGing from Claremorris takes on the challenge of the Dacia Sandero Cup in 2026 as he makes his debut with Conor O’Rourke on the pacenotes. They carry the No.411 in the Dacia section.
A number of local Co Drivers are also in action in the event with Darragh Mullen alongside Oran England at No.51, while Ivan Hernon sits alongside Alan Sheridan in a Ford Escort MK2 at No.68. Derek Molloy is in action at No.120 with Darren McGuinness in a Class 15 Subaru Impreza while Bradley O’Donnell is No.160 with Colin Gray in a Civic.


Other Championships
The Rally will also be the opening round of the very popular Border Rally Championship, which in 2026 celebrates its 35th year. Sligo Pallets have played a massive role as title sponsor in this Championship with owner (and long time Mayo Stages Rally competitor and Mayo club member) Andrew Mullen supporting the Championship with investment and passion for the last 15 years. This weekend’s rally in Westport will feature no fewer than nine former Border Rally Champions competing on the event, defending champion Mickey Conlon in his Escort Mk2, will be joined by Declan Boyle, James McGreal, Gary McPhillips, Jonathan Pringle, Justin Smyth and Gary Kiernan who will all be behind the wheel while Arthur Kierans is navigating James McCarville and Martin Byrne as a navigator winner is with David Healy in the Honda Civic
The Rally also plays host to the Top Part West Coast Rally Championships which has seen its sponsor, Top Part in situ since the championship formation in 1993.
The 2026 Dacia Sandero Challenge Cup, in association with Motorsport Ireland is also in Mayo for its opening 2026 round, the Cedar Motors Dacia-backed production class rally is designed to give new entrants into the sport and existing competitors an affordable and practical way to participate in the Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship.

Marshals Needed
To run a major event like the Mayo Stages Rally is a major undertaking, requiring the help of a large numbers of helpers. Mayo and District Motorsport Club is looking for additional marshals to ensure a successful running of the event. If you would like to help out, contact chief marshal on 087 9583240 – your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Women in Motorsport
Sport Ireland Women in Sport Week 2026 will take place from March 2nd to 8th. The aim of Women in Sport Week is to Celebrate every woman and girl who plays, coaches, officiates, volunteers, works in, and leads on Women in Sport.
Motorsport Ireland proudly supports and encourages women to participate in motorsport, both locally and internationally. With numerous opportunities across various disciplines, women can get involved as competitors or volunteers, with events happening nearly every weekend across the country.
Mayo & District Motorsport Club would like to take this opportunity to shine a light on the many women both competing and officiating at Mayo Stages Rally. Female Co-drivers on the event include at Safety car 004 Susan Smyth, No.79 Michelle Silke Cooper, No.101 Charlotte Egan, No.147 Megan Ryan, No.148 Ella Conway, No.157 Charlene Mitchell, No.401 Lauren Doherty and driving her Honda Civic at No.159 Aine Lonergan.
Also the many female Rally Officials; Ruthann, Rosemary, Mary, Sandra, Noelle, Martina and those helping at Rally Office, timekeeping and to the female marshals both on the stages and around Westport this weekend.

About the Mayo Stages Rally
The Mayo Stages Rally is one of the biggest sporting events to take place in the region and brings significant revenue into the area. In addition to the rally competitors, their service crews, friends and family, many thousands of spectators, estimated at least in the tens of thousands will visit Mayo over the weekend. With all these people requiring accommodation as well as food and beverages, it is clear to see that the Mayo Stages Rally brings a welcome boost to the local economy.

About Mayo & District Motorsport Club
From its inception in 1976, Mayo & District Motorsport Club has played an important role in supporting and developing motorsport activity in the county. Originally founded as Ballina Motor Club, in 1999 the club changed its name to more accurately reflect the broader area from where it draws its support. Affiliated to the national motorsport organisation Motorsport Ireland, the club promotes official motorsport activity in Mayo, drawing members from all over the county as well as neighbouring regions.

Seeded Entry List

Posted: February 20, 2026 11:20 AM

1 Eddie Doherty/Tom Murphy (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) [5]
2 Michael Boyle/Declan Boyle (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) [5]
3 Josh Moffett/Keith Moriarty (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) [5]
4 David Kelly/Buckley Shane (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) [5]
5 Declan Boyle/Patrick Walsh (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) [5]
6 Cathan McCourt/Barry McNulty (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) [5]
7 Gary Kiernan/John McCabe (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [5]
8 Daniel Cronin/Padraig O'Donovan (Citroen C3 Rally2) [5]
9 Matthew Boyle/Gary Byrne (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) [5]
10 Jason Dickson/Martin Brady (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [5]
11 Kevin Eves/Chris Melly (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [5]
12 Shane Quinn/Stephen Reynolds (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [5]
14 Keelan Grogan/Ayrton Sherlock (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [5]
15 Paul Barrett/Paddy Robinson (Citroen C3 Rally2) [5]
16 Cal McCarthy/James McBrearty (Citroen C3 Rally2) [5]
17 Mark Kelly/Kenny Hull (VW Polo GTI R5) [5]
18 Joseph McGonigle/Ciaran Geaney (Citroen C3 Rally2) [5]
19 Kevin Gallagher/Ryan Moore (Darrian T90 GTR) [14]
20 Johno Doogan/Paul Lennon (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
21 Patrick McHugh/Pauric O'Donnell (Darrian T90 GTR) [14]
22 Mark Alcorn/Stephen O'Dugain (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
23 Aaron McIntyre/Darren O'Brien (Toyota Starlet RWD) [14]
24 Jonathan Pringle/Pierce O'Callaghan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
25 Ryan McHugh/Declan Boyle (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [5]
26 Joseph Kelly/Killian McArdle (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) [5]
27 Stephen Greaney/Jonathan Folan (Toyota Corolla WRC) [15]
28 David Carney/Ray Fitzpatrick (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [5]
31 Niall Devine/Liam McIntyre (VW Polo GTI R5) [5]
32 Seamus Leonard/John McCaffrey (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
33 Chris O'Callaghan/Kaine Treanor (Toyota Starlet) [14]
34 Gary McPhillips/Ger Conway (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
35 Brian Lavelle/Jack Kelly (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
36 Stephen Faughnan/Ryan Farrell (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
37 Tim Flood/Anthony Smith (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
38 Gordon Morrison/Ian Parker (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
39 Ben McIntyre/Anthony McDonald (Toyota Starlet RWD) [13]
40 Barry McLaughlin/Barry McBride (Ford Escort Mk1) [13]
41 James McCarville/Arthur Kierans (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
42 Jack Brennan/Callum Maguire (Ford Fiesta Rally3) [4]
43 Dave Slattery/Denis Coffey (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
44 Kevin Cole/Matthew Kirwan (Ford Escort) [13]
45 Seimi Browne/Ciaran Harkin (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
46 Jack Brunton/Charlie Brunton (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
47 Justin Smyth/Ciaran McGorman (Ford Escort) [12]
48 Michael Conlon/Paul McPhilips (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
49 Tomas O'Rourke/Tomas Scallan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10) [20]
50 James McGreal/Trevor O'Connell (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6) [15]
51 Oran England/Darragh Mullen (Peugeot 208 Rally4) [2]
52 Oisin McShane/Nial Myers (Peugeot 208 R2) [2A]
53 David Healy/Martin Byrne (Honda Civic) [11F]
54 Damien Cullen/Danny Cannon (Honda Civic) [11F]
55 Jack Maguire/Keith McConnon (Honda Civic) [11F]
56 Damien Connell/Gary McWalter (Honda Civic) [11F]
57 Adrian Jnr Quinn/Des Sherlock (Renault Clio) [4]
58 David Leonard/Coel Leonard (Ford Fiesta Rally3) [4]
59 Anthony Hand/David McCrudden (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
60 Paul Crosby/Damien Sheridan (Toyota Starlet RWD) [11R]
61 Mark Dolphin/Tadhg Delaney (Toyota Starlet RWD) [11R]
62 Paul O'Brien/Adam Coffey (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
63 Paul McEnroe/Maguire Shane (Ford Fiesta) [5]
64 Gareth Deazley/Oisin Joyce (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
65 Trevor Bustard/Kenny Bustard (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
66 Colin Flanagan/Kevin Reilly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10) [20]
67 Mervyn Deane/Trevor Burke (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
68 Alan Sheridan/Ivan Hernon (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
70 Gavin McGivney/Daniel McConnon (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
71 Damian Campbell/Declan McGarrity (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
72 James Cassidy/Gerard McKenna (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
73 Danny O'Donnell/Cathair Hughes (Ford Escort) [12]
74 Graeme Nesbitt/James O'Brien (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X R4) [20]
75 Pat Kelly/Jonathan Kelly (Ford Fiesta) [20]
76 Jordan Greene McGee/Michael Bonner (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [11R]
77 Paul Carron/Sean Brunton (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
78 Martin McPhillips/Peter Farrell (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
79 Bobby Cooper/Michelle Silke Cooper (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [11R]
80 Geoffrey Dolan/Connor Murphy (Talbot Lotus Sunbeam) [13]
81 Daniel Conaghan/Danielle Conaghan (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
82 John Hayes/Andy Hayes (Ford Fiesta Rally3) [4]
83 Danny Brady/Liam Callaghan (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [2]
84 John O'Rourke/Derek Lynch (Opel Corsa Rally4) [2]
85 Dean Murphy/David Murphy (Peugeot 208 Rally4) [2]
86 Ronan Quinn/Kevin Heffernan (Ford Escort) [13]
88 Declan Campbell/Chrisy Corry (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
89 Alan Quinn/Gary Quinn (Opel Manta 400) [13]
90 Ferlin Taylor/Shea Kelly (Peugeot 205 RWD) [13]
91 Adrian Rankin/Gavin Russell (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
92 Seamus Kelly/Pauric McGinley (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
93 Brian Boyle/Frank Kennedy (Honda Civic) [11F]
94 Ronan Clohessy/Michael Hamilton (Honda Civic) [11F]
98 Alan Lawson/Sean Harte (Honda Civic) [11F]
99 Brian Martyn/Sean Mitchell (Honda Civic) [11F]
100 Cathal Mullins/Shane Mullins (Honda Civic) [11F]
101 Colin O'Toole/Charlotte Egan (Ford Fiesta R2) [2A]
102 Ruairi McGarrity/Martin McGarrity (Citroen DS3 R3) [3]
105 Alan Sweeney/Keith Peoples (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
106 Eamon Daly/John Falvey (Toyota Starlet) [14]
107 Ryan Sweeney/James McGlinchey (Ford Escort) [11R]
108 Daniel Ferry/Shane Sweeney (Honda Civic) [11F]
109 Christopher Rose/Tony McGovern (Honda Civic) [11F]
110 Jamie Boyle/Conor Carr (Honda Civic) [11F]
111 Colm Connor/Eamonn Bonner (Honda Civic) [11F]
112 Eoin Cullinane/Darragh McElroy (Honda Civic) [11F]
113 Cathal Sheridan/Philip Donohoe (Vauxhall Nova) [10]
114 David Hunt/Gillian Gilmartin (Peugeot 208 Rally4) [2]
115 Niall McGaughran/Seamus Cooke (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [2]
116 Paul Cullen/Brian Rowan (Opel Corsa) [10]
117 Eamon Russell/Marty McBrearty (Honda Civic) [3]
118 Patrick Farrell/Bernard Farrell (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [5]
119 Eamon Fallon/Niall Gavin (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10) [20]
120 Darren McGuinness/Derek Molloy (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [15]
121 Richie Dalton/Pat Knox (Subaru Impreza N11) [15]
125 Tony Canny/Joe O'Brien (Ford Escort) [13]
126 Gerard Tuite/ TBA (Ford Escort) [13]
127 Shane Hagan/Declan Hagan (Ford Escort Mk2) [10]
131 James Ronan/ TBA (Ford Fiesta R2) [2A]
132 Lorcan Ronan/Colm Ronan (Nissan Sunny) [11F]
133 Kevin Cogan/Sean Maloney (Honda Civic) [11F]
134 Padraic Cawley/Jamie Lally (Citroen C2) [11F]
135 Raymond Spence/Ger Somers (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
136 Rory Carroll/Katelyn Carroll (Ford Escort) [12]
137 Andy Heekin/Bernard McSweeney (Subaru Impreza GpN) [15]
138 Colin Kane/Gary McBrien (Subaru Impreza GpN) [15]
139 Gerry McIntyre/Paul Clarke (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4) [20]
143 David Murray/Matthew O'Connor (Toyota Starlet RWD) [11R]
144 Cyril Casey/Eoghan McCarthy (Ford Fiesta R2) [2A]
145 Sean OG Cahill/Ryan Graham (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [11R]
146 Kevin Dempsey/Sean Connolly (Peugeot 206 Cup Car) [2A]
147 Francis Kelly/Megan Ryan (Renault Clio) [3]
148 Ian Chambers/Ella Conway (Honda Civic) [11F]
149 Fiachra Moran/Oisin Moran (Honda Civic) [3]
150 Gemma Hallinan/Liam Egan (Ford Fiesta R2) [2A]
151 William Ashton/David Ashton (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [11R]
153 Rob Heelan/Keith Jacob (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [2]
154 Fintan McGurrin/Keelan Joyce (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [11R]
155 Zach Gilligan/Josh Gilligan (Citroen C2) [11F]
156 Cathal McGrath/Marcus Molloy (Honda Civic) [11F]
157 Ryan Mitchell/Charlene Mitchell (Peugeot 106 Rallye) [9]
158 Richie Power/Ross Ryan (Ford Escort Mk2) [9]
159 Aine Lonergan/Ciaran Dermody (Honda Civic) [1]
160 Colin Gray/Bradley O'Donnell (Honda Civic) [1]

Historics
122 Noel Doyne/Aidan Friel (Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800) [18]
123 Eamon Brady/Sean Brady (Honda Civic) [17]

Junior
95 Shane McHugh/Brian Donnelly (Honda Civic) [16]
96 Aaron Reid/Caolan Reid (Honda Civic) [16]
97 Eoin Kelly/Darragh Kelly (Honda Civic) [16]
104 Patrick Doherty/Conal McNulty (Honda Civic) [16]
129 Cian Hynes/Cathal Fallon (Honda Civic) [16]
130 Kyle McHugh/Patrick McHugh (Honda Civic) [16]
140 Calvin Scott/ TBA (Honda Civic) [16]
141 Jamie Doherty/Eoghan Moore (Honda Civic) [16]
142 Colin Maguire/ TBA (Honda Civic) [16]
152 Eoghan O'Boyle/Mike O'Boyle (Peugeot 206 XSI) [16]

Dacia Sandero Challenge
401 Cillian Doherty/Lauren Doherty (Dacia Sandero) [23]
402 Anthony O'Halloran/Cian Lynch (Dacia Sandero) [23]
403 Liam Doherty/ TBA (Dacia Sandero) [23]
404 John Farrelly/Gareth Burke (Dacia Sandero) [23]
405 Evan Stapleton/Eddie Byrne (Dacia Sandero) [23]
406 Caolan Doyle/ TBA (Dacia Sandero) [23]
407 William Nolan/Robert Magee (Dacia Sandero) [23]
408 Diarmuid O'Toole/Barry Murphy (Dacia Sandero) [23]
409 Colm Kearney/Sean Kearney (Dacia Sandero) [23]
410 Kevin McCarthy/Adrian Foley (Dacia Sandero) [23]
411 Barry McGing/Conor O'Rourke (Dacia Sandero) [23]
412 John Murphy/Kristian Know (Dacia Sandero) [23]
413 Jake Devine/Jack Devine (Dacia Sandero) [23]

On Line Entry

Posted: January 29, 2026 5:01 PM

On line Entry

Shannon Sports IT (EVO On line Entry) - Login Page

Regulations available on Sportity, below

Onthepacenote #MayoStagesRally Motorsport Marshal Incentive

Posted: January 29, 2026 4:56 PM

Volunteers are the backbone of motorsport and Onthepacenote’s Killian Duffy wants to recognise the invaluable contribution that marshals make to the smooth running of the sport we all love. The Mayo man is putting his hand in his pocket to reward marshals who commit to marshalling at his local event #MayoStagesRally on March 1st.

Three lucky marshals (One from each stage location) will share a cash purse of €1050 plus everyone who pre registers online and turns up to marshal on the day on the event will receive a free beanie hat, bringing the total amount donated by Onthepacenote to over €2500.

“Marshals are the unsung heroes of our sport and too often they don’t get the appreciation they deserve. Rain or shine, wind or snow they are at their posts ensuring the safety of supporters, media and competitors and Onthepacenote felt they deserve to be rewarded for their efforts”, Killian also added “I hope this gesture will be welcomed by long standing marshals that we see at events week in week out and will also act as an incentive for new volunteers to join at #MayoStagesRally”.

In order to avail of the incentive, a marshal must pre register by using the online link here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekAc-s1ehqp3L_iJlDXJlxal1emCLbsDVSCn6XXTf- 4odV4w/viewform?usp=header

before Feburary 16th 2026 and they must be present and signed on to marshal at the marshal meeting points on the morning of the event.

This years Clerk of the Course, Stephen McGing has selected a loop of classic stages for the event which will be the opening 2026 round of not only the Triton Showers National Rally Championships, the Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship, and the Top Part West Coast Championships but also the Dacia Sandero Challenge Cup.

The organising committee recently announced WEST TYRE and Westport Woods Hotel & Spa as title Sponsors for this years event.

Full WEST TYRE | Westport Woods Hotel & Spa event details will be available shortly on Mayo Stages Rally Sportity App [MAYO26], Mayo Motorsport Facebook and Mayo Stages Rally Instagram account, and also by emailing the dedicated mayostagesrally2026@gmail.com address.

Press Release 1 - Westport Gears Up for Mayo Stages Rally

Posted: January 20, 2026 11:15 AM

Westport Gears Up for Mayo Stages Rally A substantial level of preparation has already taken place for the 2026 Mayo Stages Rally which returns to the county on Sunday March 1st as part of the Motorsport Ireland biennial Motorsport calendar.

The organising committee are delighted to announce WEST TYRE and Westport Woods Hotel & Spa as title Sponsors for the event.

WEST TYRE is your go-to destination for all your tyre needs. Whether you're looking to replace worn tyres, improve your vehicle's handling, or simply need expert advice, their team of skilled technicians are dedicated to providing fast, reliable, and affordable tyre services, making sure your vehicle is safe and road-ready. The family run business carries one of the largest tyre stocks in Co Mayo. While the WEST TYRE name has only been around Westport for a decade, its owners have been in the tyre business since 1990’s when M&R Motors was established in Shrule, which also specialises in auto repairs and car sales. Following on from that, the Murphy family established the first WEST TYRE depot on the Castlebar Road in Ballinrobe in 2006 and then, 10 years later in 2016, they brought the same friendly and affordable sales and service to the Westport depot which is located on the Fairgreen, adjacent to Hoban’s Centra.

No strangers to motorsport the Murphy family have picked up many accolades over the years, Matthew is a former Mayo Young driver Champion while Ronan has over 20 years experience competing in many championships from Tarmac, to Autograss and Autocross, their younger brother Noel is also a former Mayo Young Driver Champion and regular on the Irish rally lanes, while Ronan’s eldest son Jason was the inaugural J1000 Irish Forest Champion and younger brother Niall has a Irish National Autograss title to his name.

The four-star Westport Woods Hotel & Spa is nestled in its own 300 year old woodland, conveniently located between the town of Westport and the Quay and specialises in family holidays, theme weekends, and midweek breaks.

The hotel offers a state of the art Leisure Centre including swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, brand-new sauna and the Beech Spa for guests who want to; unwind and relax, go explore Croagh Patrick, visit Achill Island, wander around the town of Westport with its unique shops and wide range of cafes and restaurants, cycle the entire length of the Great Western Greenway, or just drive along the winding coastal road of the Wild Atlantic Way, Westport Woods Hotel is an excellent choice!

Westport Woods Hotel & Spa also offers eco-friendly playgrounds for the younger guests, the Go trekking! equestrian centre for horse riding enthusiasts and the complimentary go kids club during school holidays.

There are a variety of rooms to choose from, to try and suit everyone’s needs, such as inter-connecting family rooms, deluxe rooms and triple rooms. All rooms are well-appointed and equipped with en suite bathroom, TV and tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary WiFi, so you can easily stay in touch with the outside world.

The stylish and elegant Lakeview Restaurant at Westport Woods Hotel & Spa offers the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. Overlooking the beautiful woodlands and the tranquil lake, it’s the ideal place to relax, unwind, and enjoy exceptional food. While the Bench Bar at Westport Woods Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy great food with a drink in hand. With its warm, traditional setting, it’s ideal for casual dining with family and friends, both restaurants provide the perfect setting for special occasions such as christenings, birthdays, and anniversaries.

A great atmosphere, friendly people and excellent facilities – that's what you'll find at the 122 bedroom Westport Woods Hotel & Spa.

Clerk of the Course for this year’s event, Stephen McGing has selected a loop of classic stages which have not been used for a number of years that will without doubt be captivating and challenging to the competitor. Stephen as a competitor himself is very conscious of laying on a competitor focused event which will see minimal road mileage and all logistics, scrutiny, sign-on and service based in the heart of Westport.

The event will be Opening Round 1 of not only the Triton Showers National Rally Championships, the Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship, and the Top Part West Coast Championships. It is also the opening 2026 round of the Dacia Sandero Challenge Cup, a production class with enters its second year, this championship which receives direct support from Dacia via Cedar Motors Ltd is designed to give new entrants into the sport and existing competitors an affordable and practical way to participate in the National Championship.

Full WEST TYRE | Westport Woods Hotel & Spa event details will be available shortly on Mayo Stages Rally Sportity App [MAYO26], Mayo Motorsport Facebook and Mayo Stages Rally Instagram account, also by emailing the dedicated mayostagesrally2026@gmail.com address.

Regulations will be available online shortly and Entries will open thereafter.

Sportity / Club Website

Posted: January 20, 2026 11:12 AM

Mayo & District Motorclub