It is with great sadness that Athletics Ireland mourns the passing of Sligo native Raymond Flynn who passed away in the early hours of this morning.

Raymond was a member of the Athletics Ireland High Performance Committee as well as a dedicated coach and official who was ever present at events across the country.

“Ray” was passionate about race walking and started with his local Calry AC in the late 1960s, inspired by the likes of walkers such as Jackie McGowan and Tommy Casey, which would in turn lead him to become a European Race Walking Judge.

Raymond was an esteemed coach, working with athletes from club, right up to international level including Robert Heffernan, Olive Loughnane, Colin Griffin, and James Costin.

Our thoughts are with all of his friends and family at this difficult time.

RIP Raymond