Waterford man 'rose to compete against the very best in the world'
Pictured at City Hall for a Mayoral reception by Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr. Jason Murphy for Mick Morrissey, in recognition of his outstanding achievement as 2024 WRC Masters Cup Co-Driver Champion. Photo: Joe Evans
Waterford City and County Mayor Jason Murphy has hosted a mayoral reception for World Rally Co-driver Champion Mick Morrissey.
The event held in the Mayor’s Parlour saw a large gathering, including councillors, friends and family, as well as other rally drivers, some who had travelled from the UK and Scotland.
Mayor Murphy said the celebration was about honouring the Kilmeaden native, but also about celebrating the “character, determination, and generosity of spirit of one of our own.”
“For those of us here in Waterford, Mick’s story is about more than trophies and podium finishes.
"It’s about the journey of a local man whose love for rallying began on the country roads and rugged terrain of our own county, and who, through sheer determination, rose to compete against the very best in the world,” said Mayor Murphy.
Mr Morrissey has had an amazing career, starting at the first Raven's Rock Rally and going on to compete all over the word, including in the Middle East, Europe, Canada and Mexico.
Mr Morrissey has competed in Monte Carlo 15 times and he will start the European rounds of the World Rally Championship there with Wexford’s Eamonn Boland, with the pair finishing in Japan.
Mr Morrissey had a great racing year in 2024, when at the age of 76, he won the World Rally Championship Masters Cup Co-Driver Award.
At the end of the year, he also received the Motorsport Ireland Outstanding Achievement Award for 2024.
“I often say that true champions are not solely measured by the titles they hold but by the impact they leave on others.
“Mick has inspired countless young people in Waterford and beyond to pursue their dreams — not only in motorsport but in whatever field stirs their passion.
“He has shown us that with hard work, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose, even the loftiest of goals can be reached.
“On behalf of the people of Waterford, I want to congratulate you on your outstanding career and wish you every happiness and success in the years ahead,” said Mayor Murphy.
