The death of Des Connolly on June 23, 2012, left a void that is hard to fill. A well known athlete, Des was a member of Naas Athletic Club and Donore Harriers, where he gained much knowledge of modern training methods.
An outstanding athlete, he ran a marathon in 1965 in a time of 2 hrs and 32 mins. He was also a fine club runner and was on the Naas AC senior team in 1966 that won the Co. Kildare cross country title after a lapse of some years. When he finished competing he became chairman of Naas AC and was national starter to the governing body. He was also on the successful Naas AC cross country team of 1975.
Des was also well known as a training organiser for people getting involved in running to participate in road races throughout Ireland and as a hurler he played with the Naas team before taking up refereeing duties. He was an umpire at the famous 1978 All Ireland senior football final between Dublin and Kerry during which Mikey Sheehy scored a goal that is part of GAA folklore.
Des, who lived in Kingsfurze with wife Nora and family, recalled Olympic Games gold medallist Ronnie Delany visiting Naas with the gold medal he won in Melbourne in '56.
His wife Nora was his number one supporter, dating back to the 1960s, some time after he won the annual Millbrook Cup - a six mile run around Punchestown Racecourse that takes place to this day.
He was a friend, a great colleague in athletics both locally and nationally in a wonderful sport which we shared for so many years. God bless you Des. - Ted Keegan.

Leinster Leader, 27th August 2013 Tweet

Most Read Stories