I was saddened to learn of the passing of Ronnie Delaney. I will never forget the palpable excitement which pervaded the whole country when we woke up that morning to the incredible news of his great, though unexpected, news of his astonishing success. I was 11 years old and all that generation at that time were seriously motivated to emulate his marvellous feats. A great friend of mine at the time was emboldened enough to call up to his house in Dublin, shortly after the great homecoming, to get his autograph and, hopefully, to discuss the race with him. That young lad, Pat Morrison, was graciously received and was later inspired to run for Ireland even though the curse of emigration later curtailed his own career.
Ar dheis lamh De go raibh a anam uasail
