Junior ERC’s Raftery gets top recognition in Ireland

Presented during the Motorsport Ireland Awards Luncheon in the Irish capital Dublin last week, the Rosemary Smith Award was named in honour of Ireland’s most successful female driver, who passed away last December. It was presented to Raftery “for her exceptional contributions to motorsport and for embodying Smith’s passion and spirit”, according to the official announcement.  

Shortly before her passing, Smith (pictured below on the Coupes des Alpes in 1966) presented a special trophy to the Royal Irish Automobile Club. The RIAC, in collaboration with the Motorsport Ireland Women’s Commission, jointly agreed to perpetually present the award to a current female Irish motorsport competitor who honours Smith’s legacy.  

The presentation of the inaugural Rosemary Smith Award to Raftery was a highlight of the annual Motorsport Ireland Awards Luncheon, 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.

“Rosemary Smith was a trailblazer who inspired many with her remarkable career, including seven Rallye Monte-Carlo starts and her victory as the overall winner of the Golden Tulip Rally,” said Walsh.  

“Rosemary was not only a pioneer but a true ambassador for motorsport. She had the passion and the talent to succeed at the highest level, and her legacy continues to inspire drivers today. This award is dedicated to her and goes to someone who embodies her spirit, talent, and tenacity.”  

Raftery, the first female member of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, has followed in Smith’s wheel tracks by competing in the FIA European Rally Championship and contesting other international events. She placed sixth in the final 2024 Junior ERC standings and was also a finalist in WRC Promoter’s Beyond Rally Women’s Driver Development Programme.  

“I am delighted to win the Rosemary Smith Award,” said Raftery, 23. “It is an honour to be the first person to get my name on the trophy and it means a lot. Rosemary inspired many with her achievements and she was someone who I looked up to. This award means we can honour Rosemary’s legacy and inspire future generations of women into motorsport.”