Sadness at the passing of renowned Limerick athletics figure Ronnie Long

THERE has been widespread sadness this weekend with news of the passing of legendary Limerick athletics personality Ronnie Long.

The late Ronnie Long was born on July 17, 1935, in England and grew up in Ballingarry, Killaloe and Mungret, where he set down deep Limerick roots, including working with Mattersons.

A hugely popular figure, Ronnie Long, who had a deep interest in a wide variety of sports, was also an accomplished racing cyclist and, as a member of the Limerick team that rode Rás Tailteann in 1955, he led a breakaway group through Limerick city.

He was a strong advocate for the founding of Bord Lúthchleas na hÉireann (BLE) in 1967 as the national governing body for athletics; he served on its board for 19 years and was PRO for the then national association for 12 years.

The late Ronnie Long was Irish team manager for the Olympics in Montréal in 1976 and again for the World Indoor Championships in Indianapolis in 1987 when Marcus O'Sullivan and Frank O'Mara won double gold (1,500m and 3,000m respectively), and Paul Donovan scooped silver (3,000m).

Ronnie was elected president of BLE in 1994. He was awarded a National Award for Voluntary Lifetime of Service to Irish Sport in 2012.

We are very sad to hear of the passing of our Life Vice President Ronnie Long. May he RIP.

— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) October 1, 2023

The late Ronnie Long was honorary life Vice President Athletics Ireland.

The late Ronnie Long will be reposing at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street on this Wednesday evening, October 4, from 5pm to 6.30pm. Funeral arriving at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, October 5, for Funeral Service at 12 noon followed by burial in Kilmurry Cemetery, Castletroy.   

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.