Paddy Hopkirk and his legendary mini cooper S will be long remember for the number 37 crossing the line in the 1967 Monte Carlo rally, but it was on local shores that the legend was build and firmly established with 5 circuit of Ireland wins

A disarmingly modest man, Paddy originally approached BMC with the plea, 'I do want to drive cars which are capable of winning rallies outright, even if I'm not'. From winning at a 1955 St Patrick's Day Trial in a VW Beetle to the 1990 Pirelli Classic Marathon, won in a Mini Cooper S, his glittering career can be described as unbelievable at least and world class at best.

Paddy Hopkirk is a true sporting icon and more than deserving of his award.