Galway rally driver Aoife Raftery has been awarded the inaugural Rosemary Smith Award at the prestigious Motorsport Ireland Awards held in Dublin recently.

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.

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

“Rosemary Smith 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 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.

“I am delighted to win the Rosemary Smith Award,” said Raftery.

“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. It is quite poignant too as her  anniversary is on Thursday this week."”

Raftery’s recent selection into the top 15 of the FIA Beyond Rally Women’s Talent Spotting Programme further proves her place among the sport’s elite.

The Motorsport Ireland ceremony, hosted by RTÉ’s John Kenny, celebrated the success of Ireland’s most talented drivers in 2024, with more than 30 awards presented to competitors excelling both domestically and internationally.

President of Motorsport Ireland Aiden Harper said: “What an incredible day for our sport. Amazing sportspeople were rewarded for their tireless work, as competitors, officials and organisers. We have rewarded some of the finest young driving talents in Ireland once again, as well as giving back to our volunteers with the FIA Volunteers pins and Motorsport Ireland Presidents Awards.”