Andy Norman, a very good friend of Irish athletics, who died suddenly on his way home from the recent World Athletics Final in Stuttgart was buried last week after a private funeral. A memorial service in his honour is being organised and will be held shortly. At the recent Calendar Conference for European Athletics in Malta the President of the EAA Hans Jorg Wirz paid a tribute to Andy for his contribution to the sport. Andy worked as Promotions Officer for British Athletics during their golden era in the eighties and was probably the leading promoter in the world during that period.The list of athletes whom he managed included world figures like Steve Backley, Jonathon Edwards, Kelly Holmes, Linford Christie, Colin Jackson, Steve Ovett and Fatima Whitbread to whom he was married at the time of his death. It was a contact with Chris Wall former international secretary that Andy became involved with Ireland.He helped enormously in identifying suitable competition for Irish teams. In recent times Andy became a manager to some Irish athletes including World Indoor hurdles champion Derval O'Rourke . His passing leaves a huge gap in the sport. On behalf of the board of Athletics Ireland and all its athletes whom he helped we pass on our condolences to his family. Liam Hennessy Chair of High Performance Athletics Ireland Mobile +353 87 9674768