Statue Of Ronnie Delaney Unveiled In Arklow

A statue honouring Olympic Gold Medallist, Dr Ronnie Delany, has been unveiled in Arklow this afternoon.

Wicklow County Council first announced plans to commission a figurative bronze statue back in 2016, working with a budget of €85,000.

The 86-year-old, who won gold in the 1,500m at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, is a native of the town and is regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest ever athlete.

Retiring from competitive sport in 1962, he was later awarded the Freedom of Dublin City in 2006.

The new statue has been unveiled at Ferrybank in the town.

President Michael D Higgins sent a special message for the occasion describing Ronnie Delany as a “true sporting legend and a wonderful ambassador for Ireland.”