News

Irish Olympic Champion Oversees Sporting Collaboration between IT Carlow and his former US College

05/01/2015

A RUN-AWAY SUCCESS - Ronnie Delaney, who became one of the country's best loved sons after winning a gold medal in the 1,500 metres in the 1956 Sydney Olympics, has visited IT Carlow to oversee a new partnership between the Institute’s School of Science and Villanova University in Philadelphia,  where the legendary sportsman studied.

The partnership will see students from IT Carlow’s renowned School of Science undertake internships at Villanova University in Philadelphia where Ronnie Delaney studied and trained under the legendary track coach Jumbo Elliott. Kevin O’Brien, a 4th Year Sports Rehabilitation student, will become the first under-graduate to participate in a 14-week internship at Villanova University’s Athletic Therapies department in January as a result of the collaboration, which was initiatied by Delaney.

Dr. Patricia Mulcahy, President of IT Carlow welcomed the Olympic champion to campus. “Our recent visit by Ronnie Delaney was a wonderful opportunity for our students – sporting and non-sporting – to meet a truly great sportsman and a wonderful ambassador for Ireland and Irish sport. We are delighted to partner with Ronnie’s old Alma Mater, Villanova University, where he did his pre-Olympic training under Jumbo Elliott, in an initiative that will provide incredible international experience for our students of sport”.

During his visit to IT Carlow, the Olympic champion met with IT Carlow’s Head of Dept. of Science & Heath Dr. David Ryan and other heads of department as well as students from the Institute’s Elite Sports Programme who were delighted to meet the sporting legend in the flesh. Ronnie Delaney was accompanied by Marcus O’Sullivan, Head Coach, Villanova University.  

O'Sullivan, himself a world class runner, took part in four Olympic Games for Ireland: 1984, 1988, 1992, and 1996, at both 800 meters and 1500 meters. He reached the 1500 meter finals at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and won three gold medals at the World Indoor Championships over 1500m.

-ENDS-

For reference: Alma Feeley, Communications Dept, IT Carlow
e: alma.feeley@setu.ie;              
t: 059 9175098/ 087 8204934