Motorsport legend Rosemary Smith caught by surprise in Trim
Irish motor sport legend Rosemary Smith declared herself “chuffed” when she was the surprise recipient of the Meath Chronicle - Knightsbrook Hotel Sports Personality of the Year Hall of Fame award at the Trim hotel and golf resort last week.
The former Clonee resident had been due to attend the annual Meath Chronicle - Cusack Hotels event in Trim last January, but was unable to do so due to illness.
She came to Trim from her Sandyford, Co Dublin, home under the impression it was for a photoshoot, only to discover some 35 of her friends from motoring circles waiting to surprise her.
Two years ago, in an introduction to her memoir, ‘Driven’, the doyenne of Irish and international driving was described by racer Eddie Jordan as a woman who inspired a generation of young Irish drivers, himself included, to pursue dreams of international careers.
"She was a rare Irish driver on the world stage and it is great that in motor sports she is still treated like royalty – in fact better than royalty – and she deserves it!" he said.
She drove in the Monte Carlo rally eight times, winning the Coupe des Dames on several occasions, as well as competing in famous rallies all over the world, including the London to Sydney Marathon Rally in 1968, the World Cup London to Mexico Rally in 1970, and the East African Safari Rally in the 1970s. These rallies took her through dangerous Middle Eastern countries, and over treacherous terrains, and in one instance, she had to drive 33 miles around steep, winding roads over the Khyber Pass, in reverse!
In a Hillman Imp, Rosemary famously won the Tulip Rally outright, beating all the male drivers to the finish.
At the age of 80 two years ago, she got behind the wheel of an 850 hp Renault Formula 1 car for the Paul Ricard Circuit in France.
When she saw a need for teaching young people how to drive, she opened a driving school at Fairyhouse Racecourse, later moving it to Naas, where it is still running.
She is associated with events such as the Norman Pratt Car Rally, run by the Celtic Old Vehicle Owners Club, and the Dunboyne Motor Sport Festival taking place next weekend.
Rosemary Smith was presented by her award by Patrick Curran on behalf of sponsors, Knightsbrook Hotel, and is joining a list of legendary names who has received it in the past, including jockey and trainer, Tommy Carberry, Meath GAA's Sean Boylan, Olympian athlete Dessie McGann, and Captain Con Power, international showjumper.
The attendance included former RTE Head of Sport, Michael O’Carroll, and John and Cepta Sheppard, who maintain Rosemary’s famous Hillman Imp. Afterwards, guests were treated to entertainment from Rosemary’s friend, Eileen Murphy, on piano.