Craughwell-based rally driver Aoife Raftery has been awarded the inaugural Rosemary Smith Award at the prestigious Motorsport Ireland Awards Luncheon held in Dublin on Wednesday.
The award, named in honour of Ireland’s most successful female driver, Rosemary Smith, who passed away this time last year was presented to Raftery for her exceptional contributions to motorsport and for embodying Smith’s passion and spirit.
Shortly before passing on December 5 last year, she presented a special award to the Royal Irish Automobile Club. The RIAC, in collaboration with the Motorsport Ireland Women’s Commission, decided to perpetually present the award to a current female motorsport competitor who carries on Smith’s legacy.
The award was a highlight of the annual ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of Irish motorsport talent across various disciplines.
It was presented by Rosemary Walsh, Chair of the Motorsport Ireland Women’s Commission. Raftery is the first female driver to be selected for the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy. She has followed in Smith’s footsteps by contesting over 40 rallies across Ireland, Britain, and Europe.
