Glowing tributes were paid to rally icon Rosemary Smith during her funeral service at Mount Jerome Victorian Chapel in Harold’s Cross on Monday afternoon.
From her residence, Rosemary’s funeral cortège travelled via Sandyford village to Mount Jerome Crematorium led by a Garda motorcyclist and the Hillman Imp rally car that Rosemary drove to fame.
At her own request, black attire wasn’t essential, instead, pink – her favourite colour – was dominant. She was described as one of Ireland’s first international models, a popular TV presenter, a fashion icon, a role model for sports people and women at an embryonic stage of the development of this nation.
In a tribute, rally legend Billy Coleman remarked: “When I won the Circuit of Munster in 1968, Rosemary was second but I had the better car (Ford Cortina Lotus). I was only twenty at the time but I have to say she was quite magnanimous about it and she was very encouraging to me.
Rosemary Smith passed away in the Beacon Hospital Dublin on Tuesday last leaving a lasting legacy.
