Mayo teenager to fly the Irish flag at Celtic Match Races in the Isle of Man
Fourteen-year-old Westport native Paudie O'Malley has been selected as one of the riders to represent Ireland at this year's Celtic Match Races, one of motorcycle racing's most storied international team events.
The Celtic Match Races bring together the leading solo and sidecar competitors from the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, all competing for national pride and the historic Celtic Sword of State.
The 2026 event returns to the Isle of Man, taking place at Jurby on September 26 and 27, and is expected to draw many of the biggest names in short circuit and road racing from across the four nations.
Current holders Scotland will arrive looking to defend the Sword following their victory at East Fortune in 2025, while the Isle of Man team will be out to reclaim the famous trophy on home soil.
Combining fierce competition, international rivalry and a renowned paddock atmosphere, the Celtic Match Races stand as a unique celebration of Celtic motorsport — and a huge honour for any young rider to be part of.
For O'Malley, the selection caps a standout season. Racing under number 12, the young Mayo rider has already been celebrating podium success this year, and now takes the step up onto the international stage.
Paudie will travel to the island under the watchful eye of his brother and mentor Brian O'Malley alongside crew chief Wesley Regan, a Sligo native who has played a central role in the O'Malley brothers' success in their respective racing careers to date.
That success includes a third place finish in the Principal Insurance Masters Championship and the Southern Star title for Paudie, while Brian brought home the 2024 Moto 400 championship and currently holds the lap record on both the national and international circuits at Mondello Park.
With the O'Malley name already well established in Irish short circuit racing, all eyes will be on Jurby later this month as Paudie lines up to represent his country on the biggest stage of his young career so far.