Willie Dunne RIP

Athletics Ireland are saddened to learn of the passing of Willie Dunne 1960 Olympian and Donore Harriers stalwart. Willie celebrated his 90th birthday in September he was a member of his beloved Donore Harriers for over 70 years , a period which saw him as an invaluable  member acting as a coach and mentor after a hugely successful competitive  career (only retiring from competition when 80 years old suitably at the Waterhouse Byrne Baird Shield ). Fittingly a shield in his name is competed for by the club juveniles at the WBB event each St Stephens Day since 2017.  Five times National Marathon Champion he competed for Ireland in the iconic 1960 Rome Olympic Marathon. Willie competed four times for Ireland in the International Cross Country Championships, highlighted by a fifth place in Cardiff in 1958. Willie was one of four Dunne brothers who contributed to the start of Donore Harriers dominance of National Cross Country over two decades. After his senior career he competed as a Master winning medals at European and World level.

Athletics Ireland offers our deepest condolences to his family, friends and Donore Harriers . He will be greatly missed.