EAMONN COGHLAN HAS led the tributes to the legendary Irish runner and Olympian Jim McNamara, who died on Wednesday night. He was 76.
A member of the Donore Harriers club for over 50 years, McNamara represented Ireland at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal where he finished 39th in the marathon.
Coghlan hailed him as a “huge inspiration”, while in a statement, Donore Harriers paid tribute to “a great athlete, a great friend, a gentleman and a wonderful clubman.”
“Above all, Jim is remembered as a true gentleman, a giant of Irish athletics,” the Olympic Council of Ireland said. ”He will be sadly missed.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
A huge loss to athletics in Ireland, not to mention Donore Harriers. He was dealt a bad hand in life and never showed it. The definition of a gentleman and an Olympian to boot. You’ll be missed Jim.
Looked online for mention of the bad hand that you say he was dealt but no reference to it on Wikipedia etc.
What happened?
Really sorry to hear this. Only saw him recently. R.I.P
He lived just down the road from me, I never knew about his great background. R.I.P.
R.I.P Jim ..A legend off a man he will be sadly missed. ..never gave up his fight will miss seeing his face around
part of my heart has gone, wonderful man, modest and totally genuine man and a true friend who loved to run and was so inspirational to all that knew him, every year the first christmas card to arrive would be Jims he never forgot he was my friend the world has lost a wonderful human being
Tom Bailieboro Cavan
Tom Whelehan
My true friend, part of my heart has left with Jim, Even though we were many miles apart over many years we always remained close, my true friend Jim R.I.P
Jim was my best man’s father! Very saddened to hear the news.Jim was a gentleman. A true gentleman. Very sad indeed.
I worked with gentleman gym for many years in the HSE. He was a true gent, so caring and kind. RIP
R.I.P Jim, from all in Wicklow x x
Rest in Peace Jim. Being described as a ‘gentleman’ is an injustice to who you were. You were far above the definition of a gentleman. Any good you did, was done in silence without attention and done without wanting any recognition or reward. I hope that at the end of time, my epitaph will be similar to yours. You have truly won the Greatest of all races and he assured of the greatest gold medal of all.