VIDEO: Athlone IT president gets lifetime honour for contribution to athletics

Athletics Ireland has bestowed a Life Vice President award on Athlone IT President Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin for his commitment to athletics and his vision of creating a "theatre of dreams for the youth and future stars in athletics" in the shape of the AIT International Athletics Arena.

Professor Ó Catháin, who has served at several senior levels of the organisation, including two terms as president, thanked the board and said he was “deeply moved and profoundly grateful” for such generous recognition.

“Athletics has been a central feature of my life - all my life, and I am indebted to you all for welcoming me into the Athletics Ireland family,” he said.

His speech accepting the Life Vice President award can be viewed here: