Ireland’s flag bearers of history
Ireland's flag bearers Kellie Anne Harrington and Brendan Irvine enter the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Photograph: Getty Images
John O’Grady, a Limerick native, enjoys a particularly unusual distinction. He is the only county council rate book inspector to have been honoured with a commemorative monument in his home city, although his memory is celebrated for historic sporting achievements rather than his bureaucratic excellence.
O’Grady, born in Ballybricken in 1892 grew to be a gentle giant of 6ft 4in and 20st, the perfect physique for a seven-time Irish champion shot-putter and holder of three world records.
