106. A Beautiful Thing: Ronnie Delany

For Ireland’s legendary Olympian, an athletics career and RNLI service had one important thing in common

In December 1956, Ronnie Delany won a gold medal in the 1500m race at the Olympics in Melbourne. In this episode, the RNLI's former Vice President takes pride in how he competed for an all-Ireland country as an athlete, and in how, through his work with the RNLI, he supported an all-Ireland charity.

He talks of how the RNLI is apolitical in Ireland, of extraordinary friendships he made, and says the charity’s commitment to saving lives at sea is a beautiful thing.

The RNLI was very sad to learn of Ronnie's passing in March 2026. This episode was recorded in 2022, and we are proud to share it in his memory.

200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI   

Interview by Adventurous Audio

Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls   

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200