“Ronnie Delany was one of Ireland’s greatest sporting figures, whose unforgettable Olympic success brought pride and inspiration to the nation. His legacy extends far beyond medals, and he will be remembered with enormous admiration and gratitude.”
Delaney Statue in Arklow, Co. Wicklow.
The death of Mr Ronnie Delany, at the age of 91years, has prompted deep sadness across Irish sport, as tributes are paid to one of the country’s most iconic and respected athletes.
Mr Delany will forever be remembered for his historic victory in the 1,500 metres at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, where he delivered one of the finest performances in Irish sporting history. At just 21 years of age, he produced a thrilling late finish to win gold in an Olympic record time of 3:41.2 in front of a crowd of 120,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
A native of Arklow, Co. Wicklow, who was raised in Dublin, Mr Delany first came to prominence through Crusaders Athletic Club, before continuing his athletics career at Villanova University in the United States. There, he established himself as one of the outstanding middle-distance runners of his era, winning multiple NCAA titles and achieving international acclaim.
His distinguished athletics career also included a bronze medal in the 1,500 metres at the 1958 European Athletics Championships, as well as continued success on the international circuit during a remarkable competitive career.
Beyond his achievements on the track, Mr Delany made an enduring contribution to Irish sport through his lifelong support for the Olympic movement and his commitment to fellow athletes. In later years, he served as President of the Irish Olympians Association and remained a strong voice for the value of sport and the role of Olympians in Irish life.
Mr Delany’s name is woven into the fabric of Irish sporting history. His Olympic triumph inspired generations and his contribution to sport, both on and off the track, will be remembered for years to come.
We extends sincere sympathies to Mr Delany’s family, friends, former teammates and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Wexford delegate tops first-count ballot as Ger Ryan and John Murphy fall short.
Verified vote breakdown. Total votes cast: 277 Quota: 139 Derek Kent (Wexford): 169. (elected on the first count) Ger Ryan (Tipperary): 76. John Murphy (Sligo): 32
Wexford’s Derek Kent has been elected Uachtarán Tofa (President-elect) of the Gaelic Athletic Association at GAA Congress 2026, held at Croke Park yesterday evening. Mr Kent will become the 42nd President of the GAA at Congress 2027, when outgoing President, Mr Jarlath Burns, completes his three-year term.
A total of 277 votes were cast in the presidential election. Mr Kent secured 169 votes, reaching the 139 quota on the first count. Mr Ger Ryan (Tipperary) polled 76 votes, while Mr John Murphy (Sligo) received 32 votes.
Mr Kent, a Taghmon-Camross clubman, brings extensive administrative experience to the role, having served as Wexford GAA Chairperson (2017–2020) and recently completing a three-year term as Leinster GAA Chairperson. He has also chaired the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) and the Infrastructure, Health & Safety Committee.
In being elected President-elect, Mr Kent becomes the third Wexford native to hold the Association’s top office, following Mr Patrick Breen (1924–1926) and Mr Michael Kehoe (1949–1952).
Tipperary’s Ger Ryan had campaigned strongly to bring the presidency back to the Premier County, with Tipp GAA noting his recent service as Munster GAA Chair (2022–2025) and the county’s previous holder of the office, Mr Séamus Ó Riain (1967–1970).
Protests and Presidential Election to Headline 2026 GAA Annual Congress at Croke Park, Dublin.
The GAA Annual Congress takes place this weekend at Croke Park, with major attention focused on the election of the next President of the Association and a planned protest outside the stadium on Saturday.
Croke Park, Dublin.
Presidential election (Friday night). Three candidates will stand for election as President of the GAA on Friday evening: Mr Ger Ryan (Tipperary) – served as Munster Chairman (2022 to 2025) and currently chairs the Central Referees Appointment Committee (CRAC), having also led several national committees including medical, scientific and welfare, and communications.
Mr Derek Kent (Wexford) – recently concluded a three-year term as Leinster Chairman and previously served as Head of the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC).
John Murphy (Sligo)– a current GAA Trustee, former Connacht Chairperson (2021–2024), former Sligo County Board chair, and previously involved with the national infrastructure body.
Incumbent President Jarlath Burns will have completed two years of his three-year term at Congress. The successful candidate on Friday will take the role of Uachtarán Tofa (President Elect) and will have 12 months to prepare for the position.
Congress motions (25 in total). Delegates will debate 25 motions over the weekend. Key proposals include:
Extending the inter-county season, with the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final played on or before the second week in August, alongside a later start to the inter-county season (fourth Sunday of the year) and the effective removal of pre-season competitions.
A Gaelic Players Association proposal to formalise a maximum of 30 competitive weekends for the inter-county season.
A Clontarf GAA motion requiring players to have played eight club league/championship games in a season to be eligible to play inter-county the following year.
A Laois proposal to end the format whereby Joe McDonagh Cup finalists progress to All-Ireland preliminary quarter-finals in the Liam MacCarthy competition.
A hurling discipline proposal that would see a dissent free moved forward 30 metres (or up to the opposition 20-metre line).
A Central Council proposal for replays in provincial senior football finals if level after extra time.
A Fermanagh proposal to restore minor finals as curtain-raisers on All-Ireland senior final day.
A proposal to allow County Boards organise competitions down to 11-a-side to support clubs affected by depopulation.
A proposal requiring County Boards to obtain a high-performance licence to enter teams in senior inter-county competitions.
Planned protest outside Croke Park (Saturday, 11:00am) Separately, organisers have indicated a protest will take place outside Croke Park at 11:00am on Saturday opposing Allianz’s sponsorship of the GAA. Those behind the demonstration have stated their opposition relates to Allianz’s corporate links and reference a United Nations Special Rapporteur report (June 2025) which named a number of companies, including Allianz through its German parent company, in the context of sustaining and financing Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories. Protest activity has also occurred at some recent league venues.
While nine counties passed motions calling for an end to sponsorship links, none of those motions are included on the official Congress agenda.
Ursuline Thurles had to settle for runners-up honours after being beaten by Loreto Kilkenny in the Allianz Corn Sceilge All-Ireland Senior A Schools Camogie Final, played at Gortnahoe on Saturday last, February 21st.
A scoring burst at the start of both halves proved decisive, with Lucy Boyd striking 2-4 and earning Player of the Match, as Loreto powered to a 4-13(25pts) to 0-9pts victory.
Loreto led 2-7pts to 0-6pts at half-time, with Ursuline captain Caoimhe Stakelum keeping her side in touch by scoring all six of their first-half points. But Loreto’s early second-half pressure told; Boyd goaled again on 34 minutes, and Leah O’Donovan added a fourth major on 42 minutes to put daylight between the teams.
In all, different Loreto players found the net; Boyd (2), Emma Hogan and O’Donovan, while Ona Kennedy chipped in with three frees and Shauna Mahoney contributed from play, as Loreto retained the title and continued their strong run at senior level.
Despite the result, Ursuline had positives, with Stakelum finishing on 0-8pts, six from frees and Alice Butler, adding their other point, but Loreto’s defensive structure limited the Thurles side’s opportunities for goals.
Limerick blast past Tipperary with 15-Point Statement Win.
Limerick delivered a ruthless, high-intensity performance to overpower Tipperary by 0-36pts to 0-21pts at FBD Semple Stadium, extending their unbeaten streak against the blue and gold to 13 matches.
A blistering opening spell set the tone as Limerick surged into a 0-07 to 0-00 lead inside 11 minutes and powered on to a commanding 0-20 to 0-07 advantage by half-time, in calm but damp conditions, in front of 15,221 spectators.
Match Highlights. Aidan O’Connor led the charge with a superb 0-11, as Limerick spread the scoring load with 12 different scorers from play. Tipperary’s scoring output struggled to match Limerick’s pace and cohesion, registering just five scorers from play across the contest. A turning point arrived moments after the restart when Willie Connors was shown a straight red card following an off-the-ball incident, with Limerick already firmly in control.
Relentless Control, Clinical Finishing. Limerick’s defensive pressure and turnover game repeatedly disrupted Tipperary’s rhythm, allowing the visitors to convert possession into points at speed. The lead remained beyond reach throughout, with Limerick continuing to tack on scores from multiple sources and keeping the scoreboard moving deep into the second half. Tipperary rallied with increased urgency after the break, led by the experience of Noel McGrath, but each push was met by a steady Limerick response to maintain a double-digit cushion and close out a comprehensive victory.
Table Impact. The result strengthens Limerick’s position in the Allianz Hurling League as they jump from fourth to second in Division 1A, with Tipperary dropping to third on score difference.
Next Fixtures Limerick travel to Offaly next Sunday. Tipperary have a bye week before travelling to Waterford.
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