Lobbying for Paddy Hopkirk - Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards
Posted: January 5, 2015 2:55 PM
"In 1964 Paddy won the Monte Carlo Rally. He has had a stellar career rallying, racing and autotesting. He has received no accolades for his achievements from any government body.
In 1972 Mary Peters won a gold medal in the Pentathlon in the Olympics. She been made a Dame, received the Freedom of the City of Belfast and just recently has been made a Companion of Honour.
Both feats are fully deserving. Both Paddy and Mary have been champions for charities. Paddy works endlessly to support SKIDZ and the Integrated Education Fund for Northern Ireland.
Both have stood the test of time. No ugly blemishes during their long careers. Paddy has been married to Jenny for 47 years and they have three fine children and many grand children.
So why the difference?
One answer must be lobbying. So I have voted for Paddy in the Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards and I’m asking you do the same in the forthcoming poll. This is to determine who is the best sports person from Northern Ireland during the 20 years that the Awards have been held.
There is strong opposition:
George Best and Alex Higgins were geniuses but deeply flawed and didn’t stand the test of time.
Joey Dunlop was truly the best road racer of his era but couldn’t translate that into success at the highest level on the International MotoGP circuits.
Tony McCoy is another giant but only in steeplechasing in the UK and Ireland.
I’m a great admirer of Rory McIlroy but lets see what he is like when he is only half Paddy’s age. He will have plenty more opportunities.
Besides all the other candidates will have their own lobby groups so why don’t we petrolheads get together and support one of our own.
Many thanks and a happy and healthy 2015"
Dr. Beatty Crawford, MB.,FRCR
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