Statement by President Connolly on the death of Ronnie Delany
Date: Thu 12 Mar, 2026 | 12:30
"As President of Ireland, may I join with all those who have expressed their sadness on learning of the death of Ronnie Delany.
Ron was a legendary figure whose gold medal in the 1500m in Melbourne in 1956 in an Olympic record time remains one of the pinnacles of Irish sporting achievement.
As only the seventh man to break the four-minute mile, he was a truly world class athlete who will also be forever remembered for his near unbeatable record on indoor tracks across the United States as well as for his bronze medal in the 1958 European Athletics Championships and gold medal at the 1961 World University Games.
Ron’s immense contribution to Irish life was rightly recognised in the granting of the Freedom of Dublin in 2006, an Honorary Doctor of Laws from UCD in addition to his Doctor of Humane Letters from Villanova University, and more recently a statue in his home town of Arklow among many other honours.
May I express my deepest condolences to Ron's family and friends, and to all those who have been inspired by his achievements over the generations."