Photos provided by James Burke.
The Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship is preparing to celebrate its 35th year in 2027, continuing its proud tradition as a true club person’s championship, where competitors across all classes are given a fair opportunity to compete for an overall award.
During his long-standing and valued sponsorship of the Championship, Andrew Mullen of Sligo Pallets introduced the Danny Caddye Award. Widely recognised as the Spirit of the Championship Award, it honours those who embody the true spirit of motorsport and has been presented over the years to both competitors and volunteers who have made a significant contribution to the sport.
For 2026, Andrew Mullen and the Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship were delighted to present the Danny Caddye Award to a group of women who competed in this year’s Championship, recognising their contribution and participation in the sport.
While there was no shortage of deserving recipients who could have been considered for this year's award, the decision was made to recognise a group of individuals who are fantastic role models within motorsport.
Traditionally a male-dominated sport, motorsport continues to benefit from the growing participation and contribution of women across all areas. This year's award specifically recognises the female competitors who are not simply supporting the sport from behind the scenes, but are actively involved in competition, pulling on their race suits, taking to the stages behind the wheel or occupying the co-driver's seat and taking class podium wins.
Áine Phelan (driver, and winner of Class 1), Gemma Hallinan (driver and winner of Class 2A) , Gillian Gilmartin (co-driver, 3rd in Class 2), Michelle Silke-Cooper (co-driver, Class 11R) and Lauren Doherty (co-driver, and winner of Class 23) were invited to accept the award on behalf of the women competing in the Championship. Their participation and commitment demonstrate what is possible and provide an important example for the next generation of female competitors.
Brenda Reilly Border Championship Registrar- “By recognising these women, the Championship hopes to encourage more young girls to see motorsport as a sport in which they too can participate, compete and achieve their ambitions, whether as drivers or co-drivers. These competitors are role models whom young girls can look up to and see themselves in."
The initiative serves as a fitting recognition of the vital role these women play in making the sport more inclusive and inspiring the next generation. The Motorsport Ireland Women in Motorsport Commission extends its warmest congratulations to Áine, Gemma, Gillian, Michelle, and Lauren, as well as to all the women who continue to drive the sport forward.
Additionally, the Commission highly commends Brenda Reilly, the long-standing Championship Registrar, and Andrew Mullen of Sligo Pallets for their dedicated work in presenting the Danny Caddye Award and actively promoting the achievements of women competing throughout the championship.
