The whole of Dublin is in a state of mourning today following the sudden death of Irish Olympian Pat Hooper at the age of 68.
The famous athlete competed in the 1980 Moscow games finishing in 42nd place and also represented Ireland in the 1978 European Championship.
One of his greatest accolades though was coming out on top in the Irish National marathon, claiming the title in 1979.
The sportsman was also key in the growth of his beloved Raheny Shamrock Athletic Club and was a dedicated volunteer for athletics events around Ireland.
He was re-elected as chairman of Leinster Athletics in January and was the current chairman of the Dublin Athletic Board at the time of his death.
The organisers behind the Dublin marathon described his death as a great loss to the Athletics community.
They said: "Our hearts are broken Irish Athletics has lost a great servant - an absolute gentleman who gave so much to the sport both on and off the track.
"Pat Hooper, the 1980 Olympian, has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the wider running community - RIP."
