Local rally driver  Sam Leech gives a humorous account of how he accidentally became a co-driver for this weekend’s Rally of the Lakes

Local rally driver  Sam Leech gives a humorous account of how he accidentally became a co-driver for this weekend’s Rally of the Lakes

Cahill & Leech: The Rally Role Reversal Distilled in Wexford & on display in Killarney this weekend”

In the high-octane world of rallying, where drivers and co-drivers speak in coded dialects like “don’t cut, stone inside,” and “flat over crest,” Sam Leech—a man with 20 years of sideways experience—has decided to do something radical: change seats.

This weekend, the Killarney Rally of the Lakes will witness Sam, a seasoned local driver, strapping into the co-driver’s seat of a Proton Satria for the first time. Why?

 Because his beloved Honda Civic EP3, which he describes as “currently resembling a Clonakilty black pudding after St. Patrick’s weekend,” is awaiting parts.

Enter the Proton, a plucky 1600cc underdog with a family legacy. Previously owned by Sam’s brother Robert, this Satria isn’t just any car—it’s a former Class 22 Lakes winner, having conquered these very stages in 2024.

Rumour has it the victory sparked a celebration in Killarney that shares in Captain Morgan briefly peaked as the lads took to it as if it was octane boost.

 But here’s the twist: Sam’s brave pilot isn’t another rally veteran. It’s Sean Cahill, the team’s top mechanic, whose usual habitat is under the car, not inside it.

Sean’s rallying CV? A grand total of four stage rallies, with a 50% finish rate—statistics he insists are only a hint at the potential that’s there. “Two finishes, two DNFs. Call it a coin flip,” Sean shrugged. “Heads, we’re giant-killers. Tails, I’m fetching the shuttle”

The duo’s challenges are many. First, pacenotes. Sam, a man who still refers to corners as “1 is fast, 5 is a tree,” must now decipher Sean’s PlayStation-style notes, where “6” means flat-out.

 “I know these roads, but the numbers don’t tally,” Sam grumbled.

Second, the Proton herself. With 1600cc of fury, she’ll be screaming uphill against Class 22’s 2L titans.

“Sean will have her at the pin of her collar,” Sam admitted, “there is no doubt at that. Robert proved a Satria can handle Molls Gap and arrive into Kenmare without visiting the world renowned scenery.”

The Leech brothers—joint directors of Leech Sports Surfaces Ltd.—are better known for installing astroturf pitches (latest project is Dromclough National School’s soon-to-be legendary football field) than for rally drama.

But family loyalty runs deep. “Robert texted me: ‘If you bin Sean’s new Proton, I’ll have your Civic on Donedeal before you get back to parc ferme,’” Sam said. “Nice motivation, huh.”

As for Sean? He’s embracing the chaos.

“I’ve prepared cars for champions. Now I just need to remember that this is not PlayStation, there’s no reset button ” When pressed about his 50% finish record, he grinned: “Two finishes in four starts—that’s better than most!”

Will the Satria’s legacy continue?

 Can a mechanic with a coin toss track record and a local guide – turned co-driver outwit the KDMC route? #

Kerry’s rally faithful are sceptical but hopeful. After all, as one local put it, “Sure, stranger things have happened. Like a dry Bank Holiday weekend.”

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