Irish Olympians Inaugural Gala Launch

AN TAOISEACH, BERTIE AHERN T.D. AND JOHN LANDY, AC, MBE, GOVERNOR OF VICTORIA, MILE RECORD HOLDER

An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern T.D. and John Landy, AC, MBE, Governor of Victoria, Australia, Olympian, and holder of the mile world record (1954-1957) are guests of honour and speakers at the inaugural Irish Olympians Gala Lunch at the RDS Concert Hall on Monday 10 May 2005.

A few months before the 2004 Olympic Games are held in Athens, this event will bring at least one hundred former Irish Olympic Athletes together, including the medal winners, to celebrate their achievements and reminisce about Games past.

The highlight of the day will be the presentation by John Landy. An Australian icon, he is best known for his athletic achievements as holder of the 1,500 metre world record (1954-1955), world one-mile record (1954-1957), the second man ever to run the mile in under four minutes, and Olympic and Commonwealth Games Medals - including a Bronze to Ronnie Delany’s Gold in the 1,500 metres at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Presently Governor of the State of Victoria, he has been
a successful businessman in a wide variety of endeavours, and he is also an award winning author.

Once an Olympian, always an Olympian, John’s presentation will focus on games past (from Athens to Athens), Olympic idealism and personal motivation.

The RDS and the Irish Olympians Association (IOA), the organisers of the event, are delighted that An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern T.D. will also speak on the day. Clearly a reflection of the outstanding relations between Ireland and Australia over the years.

Ronnie Delany, President, Irish Olympians Association (IOA) and joint organiser of this event said, “John Landy and I have been great mates since we competed together in the mid 1950’s. He is a inspirational man, and I am delighted this luncheon has been created to coincide with his visit to Ireland. It will be a wonderful sporting occasion and I encourage everyone, especially our 600 former Olympians [1948-2000] to attend and support this event.”

The Olympians Gala Lunch will be held from 12:15pm – 2:30pm in the RDS Concert Hall on Monday 10 May 2004. Tickets to the event cost €70 for RDS Members and €75 for Corporate/Public and the special price of €30 for Olympians. The day includes a canapé and wine ‘Meet the Olympians’ reception, two-course meal with wine, and tea and coffee. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting the RDS on 01 240 7296 or online at www.rds.ie.

This event is being organised by the IOA as part of the RDS Speaker Series. The IOA was formed in 2003 with the principal aim to foster fellowship between Olympians. It is affiliated with the World Olympians Association (WOA) which has 140 member countries for some 80,000 Olympians.

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