RIP Ronnie Long

Limerick Athletic Club regret to announce the death of former club President, life long member and honorary life Vice President Athletics Ireland, Ronnie Long.

Ronnie had a life long passion for athletics and loved nothing more than being in the thick of it. From Team Manager of the Athletics team at the 1976 Olympics, to President of Bord Lúthchleas Eireann in 1994 (the forerunner of Athletics Ireland) Ronnie gave of his time like no other. While Ronnie worked at the highest levels of athletics in Ireland he also had a passion for cycling and rugby and was Treasurer of Galwegians in 1965 and Assistant Treasurer of the Connacht IRFU in 1967. He was also involved in the hosting of the Nissan Cycling event in Limerick from 1983 to 1992.

Ronnie was just as passionate about Limerick and was famous locally for his presentation of the sports results every Sunday night on Limerick radio.

He was a key member of the organising committee that brought the World Cross Country Champions to Limerick in 1979, where John Tracey defended the title he won the year previously in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, and the Irish men’s team won a glorious silver in front of a huge home crowd.

Ronnie was also a core member of the Limerick AC team that started the Limerick Women’s mini marathon 25 years ago. It is a sadness for those of us who knew him that he won’t be around to see the 25^th anniversary event this weekend in UL. He will be sorely missed.

Thankfully Ronnie was able to share his many stories through his autobiography called The Long Road which he launched in the presence of the greats of Irish Athletics in Thomond Park in November 2021.

Ronnie was always available and willing  to give of his time to anyone who asked. He was a constant presence at the track in UL on club nights until very recently.  It should be no surprise to anyone that Ronnie received a National Award for Voluntary Lifetime Service to Irish Sport in 2012. A very fitting honour.

Our condolences to his children Barry, Karen and Allen and his extended family.

May he Rest in Peace with his wife Bernie.