2008 Team Ireland Olympian Roisin McGettigan-Dumas is to succeed 1956 Olympic Champion Ronnie Delany who has stepped down from his position as President of the Irish Olympians’ Association.
The role of the Irish Olympians’ Association is to support Irish athletes who have competed in the Olympic Games, providing engagement, and networking opportunities, and helping them promote Olympic values in their communities.
The Irish Olympians’ Association is affiliated with the World Olympians’ Association, which introduced the successful OLY campaign in 2017. This is an honorary post-nominal title bestowed on Olympians worldwide, recognising the hard work, dedication, and perseverance it takes to compete on sport’s greatest stage.
Ronnie Delany OLY has been named by the Olympic Federation of Ireland as the IOA President Emeritus, a title to reflect his exceptional contribution to the Irish Olympic movement and association over the years.
In his role as President of the IOA, Delany led and was directly involved in many initiatives, along with Vice-President John Bouchier-Hayes, including the Torch Relay through Ireland ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, a fundraiser in the USA ahead of Atlanta 1996, and a celebration lunch for the 1948 Olympians ahead of London 2012.
Incoming President, Roisin McGettigan Dumas OLY is a Beijing Olympian in the 3,000m Steeplechase.
She has been actively involved with the Irish Olympic movement in recent years, as the co-founder of the OFI’s Dare to Believe Olympic values schools programme, which is sponsored by PTSB. She was also appointed to the IOC Olympic Education Commission in 2022.
“I’m honoured to take up this position and to follow in the footsteps of Olympic Champion Ronnie Delany,” said McGettigan-Dumas.
“I hope to play a role in reuniting all Irish Olympians, whether they are based in Ireland, or around the world. I believe there is an incredible opportunity for Olympians to come together and have a positive impact on society beyond their sporting performances.”
“The Irish Olympians’ Association is a very special organisation, uniting a group of athletes who have reached the pinnacle of their athletic careers,” said Delany.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time as President of this association, and feel it is now time to pass the baton to 2008 Olympian, Roisin McGettigan. I look forward to following the exploits of our Irish Olympians and Olympic hopefuls as they embark on next year’s Paris Olympic Games.”
“Ronnie Delany and John Bouchier Hayes have shown huge dedication and commitment over many years in leading the Irish Olympians Association.” said Olympic Federation of Ireland CEO Peter Sherrard.
“It is particularly fitting, given his years of exceptional service that outgoing IOA President Ronnie Delany should be named President Emeritus of the Association.”
“I also congratulate Roisin McGettigan on her appointment. Her strong knowledge of the Olympic movement and belief in the Olympic values makes her an ideal successor. She takes up her role at a very exciting time, on the eve of Team Ireland’s centenary celebrations in 2024, with numerous opportunities in store to engage with Irish Olympians from all generations.”
