Irish marshals at Turn 13 of Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal, Canada - Photo by Bruno Dorais

Eagle-eyed viewers of last weekend's Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada 2022 may have spotted a familiar face or two when the cameras cut to the marshals' posts during the race. Irish marshals were out in force with no fewer than four locals representing the tricolour on the other side of the Atlantic. Marshals Ruth Nugent, Chris Nugent, Mattie Kennedy and Patrick Moore did us proud with their service to motorsport at the highest of international levels. 

"The 13 hours on our feet every day in the heat and heavy rain was worth every minute!", said Ruth, "It was amazing to work with marshals from all over the world and learn how they do things and to compare notes."

For one marshal in particular it was a day to remember, with it being Mattie's 25th time marshalling at a Formula 1 Grand Prix. To even get one under the belt is a big achievement, so Motorsport Ireland wishes to congratulate Mr. Kennedy on this significant milestone!

And while it posed unfortunate luck for Red Bull's Sergio Perez, the Mexican's engine failure on Lap 9 created a moment in the spotlight for Chris as he was first on the scene to retrieve the stricken vehicle and the TV cameras and many photographers captured the Irishman doing what he does best on the world stage. 

The foursome represent just a small cohort of Irish marshals who dedicate their time and effort to making motorsport safe. Marshalling is a fantastic way to get involved with motorsport on an organisational level and provide a real impact to the sport and community as a whole. If you are interested in following in the footsteps of our international representatives, please make sure to check out some of our information on getting started in marshalling, or pop along to your local event and get talking to them in person!