Fans Mourn the Loss of an Athletic Legend as He Passes Away at the Age of 88

A void has been created in the athletic world with the sad demise of the Irish athletic legend Ronnie Long. He has been an unsung hero in the world of sports who has continued to shape the destinies of champions. 

His tale of nurturing athletic excellence has transcended boundaries. The man has left an indelible mark in the arena of sports. His life was nothing short of a tapestry of passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to sports. At the age of 88, after years of undisputed dedication to his field, he has left the sports world in mourning.

Long’s untold stories of success

Irish athletic legend Ronnie Long was born in the heart of Northampton, and was brought up in Mungret, Co Limerick. Long has continued to be a team selector for Ireland for 30 long years. He, with his undisputed dedication, has managed his country in the 1976 Olympic Games.

After the formation of Bord Luthchleas na hÉireann (BLÉ) in 1967 he began his journey as PRO in 1971. He served as the president and was awarded the honor of Life Presidency for his tenure. Furthermore, Ronnie Long led medal-winning athletes at the European and World Championships.

He left the world at 88 years of age but has left behind a long legacy to remember. Besides managing the Irish Athletics Team in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, he played a major role in Limerick’s hosting of the World Cross-Country.

He started his journey with badminton and cycling. He first competed for Limerick in the 1955 Rás Tailteann. From cycling to badminton and then to managing Ireland’s top athletes, Long did not stop adding feathers to his hat with endless highlights in his career.

In the 1987 IAAF World Indoor Championships too Long left his indelible mark of management as his fellow Limerick man Frank O’Mara bagged gold in the 3,000m.

Remembering the man who shaped Irish sporting greats

Dave Mahedy, the former Director of Sport from the University of Limerick said, “The sporting family will truly, truly miss a legend.”

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“We are very sad to hear of the passing of our Life Vice President Ronnie Long. May he RIP.”, tweeted Athletics Ireland remembering the iconic sportsperson.

Besides his other achievements, Long went on to become the voice of athletics on local radio station Live 95. In 2019 he shared, “ability to coach and organise always seemed like my second nature.” He further added that his biggest aim was to see the “development of women’s athletics”.

Long breathed his last at Roseville Nursing Home, Limerick. He is survived by his children Alan, Karen, and Barry. Along with the sports world, we pray for his soul to rest in peace.

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