We have the Billy Coleman Award, so why not The Rosemary Smith Award for career-aspirational female competitors.
This is just an idea, but if it were to carry legs (and why shouldn’t it?), it would also serve as a proposal to take a young Irish female to the pinnacle of world motorsport!
Introduction
The Rosemary Smith Award is proposed as an annual award to recognise and support emerging female talent in Irish motorsport.
This initiative aligns with the broader goals of Motorsport Ireland’s strategic plan to increase female participation and the FIA’s Beyond Rally initiative to identify and nurture global female talent.
Award Criteria and Benefits
The Rosemary Smith Award would be presented annually to a female driver who has demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and potential. The award should be announced and presented at the annual Motorsport Ireland Awards do.
This year’s awards presentation will take place on December 4, one day before the first anniversary of Rosemary’s sad passing on December 5 last year.
Key criteria for selection could include:
Performance: Strong performance in national and international competitions.
Sportsmanship: Adherence to fair play and ethical conduct.
Potential: Demonstrated ability to progress to higher levels of motorsport.
Commitment: Dedication to training, development, and becoming a professional in Motorsport.
The recipient of the Rosemary Smith Award would receive:
Financial Support: A substantial prize fund of €50,000 to support their racing career.
MI Academy Support: Access to training, coaching, and mentoring from experienced motorsport professionals.
Public Recognition: Recognition as a leading female talent in Irish motorsport and an influencer for young females to become involved and participate in motorsport.
Mentorship: Opportunities to connect with established motorsport figures.
Case Studies:
To illustrate the potential impact of the Rosemary Smith Award, consider the recent achievements of two talented Irish female drivers:
Nicole Drought:
Recently won the Trackday Championship in England.
To progress to the next level, Nicole would need significant financial support to compete in higher-tier championships and secure professional driving opportunities.
Aoife Raftery:
Achieved a podium finish in the Junior British Rally Championship.
To further her career, Aoife requires funding or would need significant financial support to compete in higher-tier championships and secure professional driving opportunities.
The Rosemary Smith Award could provide the necessary support to propel these talented young women to the next level of their careers.
Rosemary Smith competed in both seats in her motorsport career and there is no reason why the award could not be presented to a high-performing female rally co-driver too. Raftery’s partner Hannah McKillop is one example.
Alignment with Motorsport Ireland’s Strategic Plan and FIA’s Beyond Rally Initiative
The Rosemary Smith Award aligns with Motorsport Ireland’s strategic plan to increase female participation in motorsport. By recognising and supporting talented female drivers, the award can inspire young women to pursue careers in motorsport and create a more inclusive and diverse sporting environment.
Furthermore, the award feeds in to the FIA’s Beyond Rally initiative, which aims to identify and nurture female talent in rallying and other motorsport disciplines.
The FIA’s Beyond Rally initiative is one of the greatest opportunities on offer in the world of motorsport right now and Ireland as a Rally nation need to make the best of this opportunity and be right there in the mix from its inception.
By providing financial and logistical support, the 2024 Rosemary Smith Award can help Irish female drivers both compete and succeed on the global stage.
Conclusion
The Rosemary Smith Award is a powerful tool to inspire and support the next generation of female motorsport talent in Ireland.
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Kerry Motorsport News 
A great idea Sean but who is going to fund that sort of money?
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Dear Sean. As someone who knew Rosie for a very long time and recognised her multi talents in racing, rallying, driver education and of course in the fashion world I don’t think she would not be at all enamoured with an award in her honour which would be specifically female. An award has already been discussed and the trophy procured during the arrangements for her 80th birthday. I think it would be entirely advisable for you to first consult with her family and close friends before you embark on this route.
Brigid Brophy
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