RIP Johnny Fox - Tallaght AC Coach and Tireless Volunteer

The Athletics Ireland Community is saddened by news of the passing of Johnny Fox, who for many years was a coach and tireless volunteer at Tallaght Athletic Club.

Johnny was in his earlier days a dedicated club runner, competing for St Augustine's AC, Metro St Brigid's, Brothers Pearse AC and later Tallaght Athletic Club - where he served as volunteer and coach for over 50 years.

At Tallaght AC, Johnny was the first coach to Rhasidat Adeleke, who joined the club at age 10.

For the next five years, Johnny helped Rhasidat develop her potential as a uniquely-talented sprinter and he predicted a wonderful future in athletics, including Olympic success, for his star athlete.

Johnny was a tireless volunteer for Tallaght AC and a wonderful motivator and mentor to the young athletes in the club.

He also played a pivotal role in organising the inaugural Darkness Into Light 5K in 2009 - an event that has since become a huge annual fundraiser for Pieta House. The Darkness Into Light event has over the years gained national and global acclaim.

"I lost one son to cancer and another son to suicide, so I wanted to reach out, help and give some comfort to others who had suffered the same kind of loss of family or friends," Johnny said.

"A walk or run 5K event seemed a good way to do that and it was an idea that I helped bring to fruition together with Joan Freeman at Pieta House."

Johnny received a National Volunteer Award for his long and tireless commitment to Tallaght AC and Pieta House. He was a man of humility who found his greatest joy in giving back.

Athletics Ireland and the Irish Athletics Community send our condolences to Johnny's wife Gertie and family.

A tireless volunteer and servant to club and national athletics, Johnny Fox will be missed and fondly remembered by the many who were privileged to have known him.