from A.A.I The death has occurred of John (JJ) O’Donnell, Limerick AC one of the great Irish sprinters of the late forties/early fifties. John’s outstanding year was 1948 when competing for Celtic AC he set his personal best for the 100 yards of 10.0 in Blarney and the 220 yards with 22.2 in Ballinasloe which was an Irish record. The famed Guinness 100 was a meeting where he had much success (I suppose fitting as he spent his working life with Guinness) and also the Ballinasloe relays where he continued to have success well into the fifties.
In addition to John’s athletics exploits he played minor hurling for Limerick and senior hurling for Dublin as well as representing Leinster in hockey.
In later years John would coach and advise many athletes including brilliant sprinter Brendan O’Regan . He was also a close confidant to Frank O’Mara.
He was also involved in administration and helped Br Perkins around the formation of the Community Games. I have a fond memory of John helping me enormously when I was the organiser of the Irish marathon in Limerick in 1982.
John O’Donnell was one of the most pleasant and agreeable persons I have encountered in our sport and one always looked forward to meeting him. In recent years he took particular pride in his daughter Liz, former Government Minister.
On behalf of Athletics Ireland I wish to pass sincerest sympathy to his wife Carmel, son Sean and daughters Yvonne and Liz.
The removal takes place to Caherdavin Church Limerick on Easter Monday at 6pm and the funeral mass is at 11.30 on Tuesday
Liam Hennessy