Jim Leahy founder member of Midleton AC has sadly passed away. The club offers its sincere sympathy to Jim's family and friends. May he RIP.

Details      https://rip.ie/death-notice/jim-leahy-cork-midleton-552908 

IN THE BEGINNING – (Midleton AC 50th Anniversary Publication in 2016)

By Jim Leahy

 

I came to Midleton in July 1966. Athletics was my life and full of youthful enthusiasm I called Paddy Hartnett and told him I would like to start an athletic club in Midleton but needed people like him who understood athletics and was well known in Midleton and respected in the community. He was most helpful and encouraging and promised whatever he could do, he would do.

 

I then called Fr Anthony T Barry, CC, who was in Banteer prior to being appointed to Midleton. Banteer had a great reputation for running an annual open sports. He also was most encouraging. Next call was Sydney Frazer, PE teacher.  Again I was amazed with the enthusiastic promise of support.

 

We then organised a public meeting in the Midleton Arms Hotel and were very pleased with the turnout. The club was formally launched on the October 17th, 1966, at 8pm.  Officers and committee were elected and the rest is history.

It has been a pleasure and a privilege for me to have gone down memory lane and what makes it really great is that Midleton Athletic Club 50 years on is flying and in good hands.

 

* Jim, representing Rockwell College, was the winner of the inaugural Irish Schools 3-Mile Championship in 1963 in a time of 15:48.2.

https://rip.ie/death-notice/jim-leahy-cork-midleton-552908