Galway's Dean Raftery has enjoyed a fantastic year on the rally circuit.
The young Craughwell talent, who was crowned Billy Coleman Young Driver of the Year 2014, started the 2015 season in his first outing in a world rally car, proving his ability as a rally driver.
Backed by event sponsor Colm Quinn BMW with one of the two MINI WRC in the Galway International Rally, Raftery proved his abilities with some outstanding driving. Enlisting the help of co-driver Mark Kane for his inaugural four-wheel drive with the MINI WRC, he impressively crossed the event finish ramp in sixth position overall.
Raftery’s progression through the sport has been a model to which many young drivers aspire. After two successful years competing in the British Rally Championship, Raftery received his first taste of WRC glory at last year’s Wales Rally GB when he drove his Fiesta R2 to a podium result. His recent achievements were recognised by the Billy Coleman Young Driver of the Year panel who awarded him the prestigious award.
Thanks to the award from the Motorsport Ireland and the Irish Sport Council, Raftery was able secure a deal to build anew Citroen DS3 R3 and tackle the 2015 Junior WRC Wales Rally GB.
