'Cherished' wife of Ronnie Delany dies just days after Olympic gold medalist's funeral
Joan Delany, wife of Irish Olympic legend Ronnie Delany, has passed away just a week after her husband, and two days after he was laid to rest.Ms Delany passed away on Wednesday, March 18, peacefully and surrounded by her family at Blackrock Clinic. A death notice shared by her family on RIP.ie remembered her as the "beloved and deeply cherished wife of the late Ronnie, so recently departed, and now reunited once more in gentle peace."The notice adds: "Joan will be forever loved and sadly missed by her heartbroken children Lisa, Ronnie, Jennie and Michelle (Mimi), her adored grandchildren and great-granddaughter, sons-in-law and daughter-in-law, sisters Pat and Sally, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and her wide circle of loyal friends."A kind and loving presence in the lives of all who knew her, Joan will be remembered always for her beauty, warmth, grace and quiet strength."Her funeral will be held at at 11am on Saturday morning at St. Brigid's Church in Cabinteely, followed by a private cremation service.Ms Delany, who formerly resided in Dundrum and Carrickmine, passed away exactly a week after her husband Ronnie died at the age of 91. The couple were married 64 years.The iconic athlete, who won a gold medal in the 1500 metres at the 1956 Summer Olympics, will be fondly remembered as a trailblazer for Irish athletics and an incredible ambassador for sports in this country. He also won bronze in the 1500 metres event at the 1958 European Athletics Championships.At his funeral on Monday, the couple's his son paid a touching tribute to a man of 'great faith' who knew and recognised his athletic gifts from when he was very young.The funeral mass took place at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church in Foxrock in Dublin. Among the mourners were Michael Carruth, Eamonn Coghlan and former Olympic Council of Ireland president Pat Hickey. President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin are both represented by their aides de camp.His son, Ronnie Jr, paid tribute to his father who always raced to win and hated to lose. He recalled his father's generosity and sense of humour - and a man who taught about the important of a firm handshake.He said his legendary dad had won a second gold medal when he met his wife of 64 years, Joan who he adored.A red rose was also placed on the Olympian's coffin for his wife who, mourners were told, was watching from hospital.Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Dublin Live as a preferred source, simply click here.
