Report Paul Murphy
A Meath councillor today recalled fond memories of a visit to a Navan school by athlete Ronnie Delaney. Delaney, who died on Wednesday, 11th March, aged 91, won a gold medal for Ireland in the 1,500 metres in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956. He became one of the first seven athletes in the world to run a mile in under four minutes.
He had connections with Batterstown and Kilmessan. Social Democrat councillor Ronan Moore, a teacher and avid runner himself said today he had fond memories of a visit Delaney made to St Pat’s Secondary School in Navan 15 years ago where there was a dedicated cross-country and athletics team that involved some budding athletes.
Cllr and teacher Ronan Moore, an avid runner describes the late Ronnie Delaney as ”a trail blazer and true champion”.
“To anyone who understands the sport Ronnie Delaney was a trailblazer and a true champion and this shone through during his visit. Listening to him recount his Melbourne adventure and his remarkable Olympic gold medal was a real highlight for us and the school team”.
In honour of the occasion the school the school founded The Dr Delaney Mile Race to honour the fact that he was the first Irishman to break the four-minute mark.
“It is perhaps fitting that the winners of this trophy were Brian and Kevin McGrath who, two years after Ronnie’s visit, would win the National Schools’ 1,500m at inter and senior level on the same day, within 20 minutes of each other.”
