Behind the Scenes: The Unsung Heroes Keeping the Cork 20 on Track
Kerry Motorsport News went behind the scenes at last weekend’s MRF Tyres Cork 20 International Rally for an eye-opening look at the massive operation required to run a major motorsport event.
SIGN ON FOR STAGE TOOK PLACW WHILE STAGE THREE AND FOUR WERE LIVE
The vast majority of competitors and fans rarely see the work involved. Running a modern international rally requires an army of dedicated volunteers working long before the first competition car takes the start line.
Kerry Motorsport News was tasked with minding Location 15 on Stage 5 and 7 on the legendary Kilnamartyra test, famously declared by nine-time World Champion Sébastien Loeb as the greatest stretch of road he had ever driven.
That single required 39 marshals, working under the guidance of Stage Commander Kevin Tydings. The crew consisted mainly of members from Kerry Motor Club and Killarney and District Motor Club. That total did not include radio operators, timekeepers, doctors, rescue personnel, or ambulance crews stationed along the route.
MEMBERS OF KERRY AND KILLARNEY AND DISTRICT MOTOR CLUBS REPORT FOR DUTY ON SATURDAY MORNING
The crew met at 11:00 AM at the Circle K station in Macroom. At that moment, Stages 1 through 4 were live in the eastern section of the route.
While Stages 3 and 4 were actively running, Stages 5 through 8 were being set up. Stages 6 and 8 were managed mainly by Galway Motor Club and Clare Motor Club members.
In the run-up to the event, Chief Marshals Marie O’Donoghue and Sean Hayes were tasked with securing the entire volunteer workforce. The safety plan demanded a minimum of 168 volunteers on Saturday and 102 on Sunday just to meet basic requirements.
SEAN HAYES AND MARIE O’DONOGHE MADE 500 PHONE CALLS IN THE RUN UP TO THE RALLY
Their work began immediately after the Wexford Rally. Over 500 phone calls were made to assemble the minimum required force.
With the old rally adage stating that the event is not over until the last marshal is fed, the team arranged hot meals for volunteers at Creedon’s Hotel in Inchigeelagh on Saturday evening.
Managing logistics required advance hotel visits and coordination to ensure adequate staffing and food stocks.
Accommodation logistics added another layer of planning.
The Galway crew was booked into Creedon’s for easy access to Sunday’s stages, while the Clare contingent was based in Ballincollig. The Kerry marshals travelled home on Saturday night, facing an even earlier start on Sunday morning.
Once the sweep car passes and before roads reopen, dedicated crews dismantle stage signage and safety barriers across 15 kilometres of road. Signs must be sorted, repacked, and handed over to arrow crews on Saturday night to ensure Sunday’s stages are prepared on time.
Volunteers like Marie O’Donoghue, Kevin Tydings, and Sean Hayes remain the unsung heroes of the sport. Without marshals, there is no rally.
The Motorsport Ireland competitor scheme offers a significant reduction on 2027 competition licence fee, for competitors who volunteer during the 2026 season. However, a bulletin issued last month raised concerns that participation in the scheme remains low.
With a few events remaining on the 2026 calendar, competitors and enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up and marshal. It offers a unique insight into event organisation, a rewarding day on the bank, and a direct way to give back to the sport.
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