Former Irish national marathon champion and 1980 Olympian Pat Hooper has died at the age of 68.
The Raheny Shamrock clubman died suddenly of a suspected heart attack.
Hooper, a hugely popular figure in the world of Irish athletics, ran a personal best of 2:17:46 to win the national title in 1979 and the following year competed in the Moscow Games.
He finished in 42nd position in Moscow, four places behind younger brother Dick, a three-time winner of the Dublin marathon.
Hooper was an integral part in the growth of Raheny Shamrock running club and was a permanent fixture at a wide range of athletics events throughout the country as a volunteer.
A long-serving member of Athletics Ireland's competition committee, Hooper was re-elected as the chairman of Leinster Athletics in January and is the current chairman of the Dublin Athletic Board.
Our hearts are broken 💔
— KBC Dublin Marathon (@dublinmarathon) October 9, 2020
Irish Athletics has lost a great servant - an absolute gentleman who gave so much to the sport both on & off the track.
Pat Hooper, the 1980 Olympian, has passed away.
Our thoughts & prayers are with his family & the wider running community - RIP ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7xojpAiKWS
So sorry to hear of the death of Pat Hooper.
— Ciara Mageean (@ciaramageean) October 9, 2020
For as long as I've been in athletics I've heard his name spoken of so highly and seen the impact and legacy he had on our sport.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family.
Thank you Pat for giving so much to our sport. https://t.co/CFl1QKPbLa
