Statue honoring Olympic champion Ronnie Delany unveiled in Arklow
First Irish man to also run a sub-4 minute Mile is a "true sporting legend and a wonderful ambassador for Ireland."
From the RTÉ Newsroom
A statue honoring Olympic gold medalist Ronnie Delany has been unveiled in his hometown of Arklow in Co Wicklow.
Mr. Delany won gold in the 1500 meters at the Melbourne Games in 1956, when he was 21.
He was born in Arklow in 1935, where he also had a housing estate named after him in 2019.
Sculptor Paul Ferriter was commissioned to bring Mr. Delany's famous win to life.
President Michael D. Higgins sent a special message for the occasion describing Mr. Delany, who earned four NCAA titles at Villanova University in the United States, as a "true sporting legend and a wonderful ambassador for Ireland."
Leas Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Tommy Annesley said Mr. Delany had achieved more than most, culminating in winning the ultimate honor, an Olympic gold medal.
Chairman of Sport Ireland Kieran Mulvey added that Mr. Delany, who also set the indoor Mile world record three times (1958-59), was the iconic figure in Irish Athletic sporting history in Ireland.
"His sporting achievements are legendary and he has served as an inspiration to successive Irish athletes who have gone on to win international success in Olympic and World Championships," he stated.
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